Nev Schulman wants Cardi B as his next 'Catfish' co-host 'cause he likes it like that ... but landing her's a different story.

We hit up Nev on the heels of Max Joseph announcing he's leaving the show after 7 seasons as its co-host and wanted to know who's sliding next to him on MTV. Nev starts graciously and says Max is irreplaceable, but adds the show must go on.

And, with that said ... Nev's set his sights on the "Bodak Yellow" rapper. Of course, he's singing her praises, but he knows landing her is tricky for obvious reasons. No problem, he's already thinking of ways to hook her in for at least a guest hosting gig.

If not Cardi, Nev says he's definitely keen on getting a woman's take on the show.