Cardinal Tetra

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Description

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.

Additional information
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)