Compatibility brief
Can Cardinal Tetra live with Marbled Hatchetfish?
Often a workable match in a suitable, well-run tank. Still verify behaviour in your setup.
Both Amazon soft-water species in different swim zones. Hatchets stay just below the surface, cardinals hold mid-water. Tannin-stained water brings out the colour of both. Success still depends on tank size, stable water, and the actual fish you buy.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
60L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 60L (larger active fish often want more length).
Assessment details
Known compatible pairing
Both Amazon soft-water species in different swim zones. Hatchets stay just below the surface, cardinals hold mid-water. Tannin-stained water brings out the colour of both.
Compatible temperaments
Both Cardinal Tetra and Marbled Hatchetfish share a peaceful temperament.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- •Marbled Hatchetfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Cardinal Tetra should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- →Marbled Hatchetfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- 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.
- Seriously Fish. Carnegiella strigata
Primary: species page on Amazon/Rio Negro blackwater origin, jumping behaviour, schooling needs, and feeding (surface foods only).
- Practical Fishkeeping. Marbled Hatchetfish Profile
Secondary: editor coverage of tank setup, surface plant requirement, and the pectoral-fin gliding behaviour.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Cardinal Tetra + Marbled Hatchetfish
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: medium. Driven by the lower-confidence profile (Marbled Hatchetfish): Based on typical aquarium care sources; details may vary between setups.