Can cardinal tetras and harlequin rasboras live together?

Yes

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

Cardinal tetra Harlequin 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 tetraHarlequin rasboraBoth
Temperature73–84°F (23–29°C)72–80°F (22–27°C)73–80°F (23–27°C)
pH5.0–7.06.0–7.56.0–7.0
Minimum tank20 gal (76 L)10 gal (38 L)20 gal (76 L)
Keep at least66
Adult size2 in (5.1 cm)1.8 in (4.6 cm)

The smallest tank for both

A 20 gallons (76 L) tank holds 6 cardinal tetras and 6 harlequin rasboras at about 60% of its stocking limit, which leaves room for more.

Other tank mates for cardinal tetras

Other tank mates for harlequin rasboras