Cardinals with Barbs?

spike0544

I have 8 Odessa Barbs and 8 Cherry Barbs, my wife really wants me to add a shoal of cardinals for their color. I can't find much information on compatibility. The water parameters seem like they would work. The Cherry Barbs seem to be very docile but the Odessa's are pretty active. They don't bother any of the other fish though. Any thoughts on how this would work?

starblazer87

I don't have any experience with odessa barbs but I have kept both cardinals and cherry barbs together in a tank with other active barbs and tetras and had no problems. They all seemed to school together for me. I don't think you should have any issues as long as the tank is big enough for the amount of fish you want to get.

Byron

I would caution this mix on the basis of water parameter requirements. In the profile of these species it mentions parameters. Odessa Barb do best (=healthiest) in somewhat neutral to basic water. Cardinal Tetra must have very soft acidic water or they develop internal problems and have short lives. They are one of the most sensitive fish. They also need quiet, dark tanks, as noted in the profile.