Compatibility brief
Can Apistogramma Macmasteri live with Cardinal Tetra?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Apistogramma Macmasteri + Cardinal Tetra: Temperament difference. Apistogramma Macmasteri is semi-aggressive, while Cardinal Tetra is peaceful. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying. Outcomes still depend on your tank shape, maintenance routine, and individual fish.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
100L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 100L (larger active fish often want more length).
Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs peaceful) — can work with space, structure, and careful observation, but not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Known compatible pairing
Same biotope pairing as the borellii. Macmasteri runs a touch warmer (24 to 29 C) which fits the cardinal range; the cardinals act as dither and the apisto pair holds its cave territory.
Temperament difference
Top issueApistogramma Macmasteri is semi-aggressive, while Cardinal Tetra is peaceful. This can work with adequate space and hiding spots, but monitor for bullying.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Apistogramma Macmasteri is semi-aggressive, while Cardinal…”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Cardinal Tetra can escape if harassed.
- •Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Cardinal Tetra can escape if harassed.
- →Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Apistogramma macmasteri
Primary: species page covering Meta basin habitat, soft acidic water requirement, and the strong territorial behaviour at spawning sites.
- Practical Fishkeeping. Macmaster's Apistogramma
Secondary: editor coverage of colour variants (gold, red-mask) and the strong line-breeding of the species in the hobby.
- Seriously Fish. Paracheirodon axelrodi
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Paracheirodon axelrodi
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Paracheirodon axelrodi
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Wikipedia. Paracheirodon axelrodi (cardinal tetra)
Encyclopaedia overview; use specialist aquarium sources for your stock's real temperature/pH/footprint needs.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Apistogramma Macmasteri + Cardinal Tetra
Plan further
Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.