Cardinal Tetra is little freshwater fish belonging to the tetra family.
They have eye-catching colors and calm personalities, Cardinal Tetras can reach a maximum length of two inches. These fish are lively and perfect for tanks with other fish.
Due to their similar look, Neon tetras and Cardinal tetras are frequently confused.
Cardinal tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) are found in the Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America, which cut across Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
In the wild, blackwater creeks and their tributaries are home to cardinal tetras. These water sources are soft, acidic, and dark in color because of the tannins in decomposing leaves.
The cardinal tetra is common in the wild, and the majority of cardinal tetras sold as pets are from wild capture.
I. Size
- Average Adult Size:1 inch
- Maximum Adult Size: 1.2 inches
- Swimming Level: Middle level
II. You would love the fish because…
Because of their brilliant coloring and neon blue stripe, cardinal tetras are a favorite among fish owners. The cardinal tetra is a calm, lively fish that engages in schooling activities.
Small, spindle-shaped fish are called cardinal tetras. The vivid red color and iridescent neon blue lateral stripe that runs from the nose to the tail of the cardinal tetra give it its name. It has transparent fins and a blunt nose.
Depending on the lighting, the lateral stripe of the cardinal tetra has a different color.
Cardinal tetras lose their vibrant colors when they are sleeping at night. Daytime loss of coloration is a sign of stress or disease.
Male and female cardinal tetras differ only in size and the prominence of their bellies. The male has a hook sticking out of its anal fin.
The Cardinal Tetra is primarily collected in the wild, though some are currently raised in aquariums. The sale price of these fish reflects the difficulty of raising them in an aquarium.
The blue and red stripe of the Cardinal Tetra goes from the head to the tail and it is bigger than Neon Tetras.
They stand out from the other Tetras in terms of appearance and are frequently more pleasing to the eye. But don’t be deceived! Both fish are difficult to distinguish from a distance since they seem similar.
III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?
- Recommended: 6 and more
- Recommended Male/Female – 1:1
- Overall hostility: Peaceful
- Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
- Hostility towards other Species: Peaceful
IV. Species compatibility
- Black Skirt Tetra
- Dwarf Gourami
- Guppies
- Ember Tetra
- Chili Rasbora
- Hatchetfish
- Green Neon Tetra
- Mollies.
V. How to feed this species?
In the wild, omnivorous cardinal tetras eat worms and tiny crustaceans. Feed cardinal tetras an assortment of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, mosquito larvae, and daphnia along with veggies, pellets, and flakes. The coloring of the cardinal tetra is enhanced by live food.
Word for the wise
| Weight | 1 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 20 × 30 cm |
| Family | Characidae |
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
| Tank size | 10-gallon |
| Special Diet | Aqueon Tropical Flakes, Color Flakes, Tropical Granules and Shrimp Pellets |
| Native To | upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America. |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Max water Temp | 80.5 °F |
| Min Water Temp | 73.5 °F |
| pH Max | 7.8 |
| pH Min | 5.3 |
| Size | 2.2 cm, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large |
| Max size | 4cm (1.6”) |
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