Can cardinal tetras and chili rasboras live together?

Yes

Cardinal tetras and chili rasboras can share a tank. Their water needs overlap and neither is known to bother the other.

Cardinal tetra Chili rasbora

Why

  • Their temperature and pH ranges overlap comfortably, and neither is known to nip, chase or eat the other.

What each one needs

Cardinal tetraChili rasboraBoth
Temperature73–84°F (23–29°C)68–82°F (20–28°C)73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH5.0–7.04.0–7.05.0–7.0
Minimum tank20 gal (76 L)5 gal (19 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least66
Adult size2 in (5.1 cm)0.7 in (1.8 cm)

The smallest tank for both

A 20 gallons (76 L) tank holds 6 cardinal tetras and 6 chili rasboras at about 39% of its stocking limit, which leaves room for more.

Other tank mates for cardinal tetras

Other tank mates for chili rasboras