Cardinal Tetra vs Molly Fish

Side-by-side care comparison to help you choose.

Cardinal TetraMolly Fish
DifficultyIntermediateBeginner
Adult size1.5-2 inches3-4 inches
Lifespan3-5 years3-5 years
Min tank size10 gallons20 gallons
Water temp74-80F72-82°F
pH6.0-7.07.0-8.0
Temperamentpeacefulpeaceful
Tank matesOther peaceful community fish such as small rasboras, tetras, and dwarf cichlids.Other peaceful community fish such as guppies, platies, swordtails, tetras, and corydoras.
DietHigh-quality flakes, micro pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp; feed small portions 2-3 times daily.Omnivore; feed high-quality flake or pellet daily, supplement with algae wafers, spirulina, blanched vegetables, and occasional live/frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.