Cardinal Tetra
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Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon Axelrodi)
The Cardinal Tetra is a stunning and highly sought-after freshwater fish native to the slow-moving, acidic waters of the Amazon Basin. Known for their vibrant coloration and peaceful nature, these fish are ideal for community aquariums, especially those with a focus on South American biotopes.
Appearance:
Cardinal Tetras have a small, slender body that can reach up to 2 inches in length. They display a vivid iridescent blue stripe that runs horizontally along their body, contrasted by a bright red stripe below it that extends from their snout to their tail. Their translucent fins are a subtle, elegant touch to their overall appearance.
Personality:
Cardinal Tetras are peaceful, social fish that enjoy the company of their own kind. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to promote their well-being and natural behavior. They are generally non-aggressive and make good tank mates for a variety of similarly-sized, peaceful fish.
Tank Habitat and Care:
Cardinal Tetras thrive in a well-planted, dimly lit aquarium of at least 10 gallons, with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming space. They prefer a soft, sandy or fine gravel substrate and appreciate the addition of driftwood and leaf litter in their environment. Water parameters should be maintained at a pH of 4.0-7.0, a hardness of 1-8 dGH, and a temperature of 73-81°F.
Diet:
Cardinal Tetras are omnivorous and require a balanced diet for optimal health. They should be fed high-quality flake food, small pellets, and a mix of frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
To learn more about this fish, be sure to check out the Additional Information tab.
Common Names |
Cardinal Tetra |
---|---|
Scientific Name |
Paracheirodon Axelrodi |
Family |
Characidae |
Origin |
South America |
Care |
Intermediate |
Diet |
Omnivore |
Tank Mate Compatibility |
Peaceful |
Schooling Fish |
Yes |
Minimum Group Size |
6 |
Preferred Swimming Level |
Middle |
Adult Size |
1 – 2 inches |
Average Lifespan |
3 – 5 years |
Minimum Aquarium Size |
10 gallons and up |
Community Aquarium Size |
20 gallons and up |
pH |
4.0 – 7.0 |
Hardness |
1 – 8 dGH |
Temperature |
73 – 81°F (23 – 27°C) |