Cichlids and Cardinal tetras

[Oli]

Hi guys, just a question out of curiosity and nothing else but how come Cardinal tetras are frequently seen in Discus tanks but not advised to be housed with other Cichlids. Especially things like Angels which seem similar in size/appearance to discus. Do Discus simply have tiny mouths or is there something else to it? Again, simply curiosity. I do not intent on adding cardinals to my cichlid tank

 

[Byron]

It depends upon the cichlid species. Discus are relatively peaceful and unlikely to see cardinal tetras as food. Angelfish by contrast are the opposite...very aggressive feeders and linear fish like cardinals will often be considered food, especially by mature angelfish. Raising the two together from fry size is said to sometimes prevent this, but there is no guarantee.

A note on "aggressive feeder," this is the term used for fish that are very determined when it comes to feeding--almost nothing will stop them.

Cardinal tetras are good tankmates for the two Ram species, and most of the Apistogramma species and other dwarf cichlids. Larger cichlids like most (but not all) from Central America are a very different story.

 

[itiwhetu]

Discus and Cardinals are a perfect match. You can also try Ram species. If you are going to keep Rams and Cardinals, you need a large tank because they will share the same area of the tank.