Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Enhance Your Aquarium with Cardinal Tetra: Colorful and Peaceful

• Color

  Cardinal tetras have a bright blue stripe that runs horizontally from their nose to their tail, with a red stripe directly below it. The colors can appear iridescent blue and green depending on the angle of light.

  Size

  Cardinal tetras grow to about 1.2 inches in length.

  Behavior

  Cardinal tetras are peaceful and non-aggressive, and are usually found in groups. They feel most comfortable when they have a large number of other fish to be around.

  Tank mates

  Suitable tank mates for Cardinal tetra include other tetra species, danios, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, and small catfish.

  Aquarium size

  A 15- to 20-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for at least 8–10 Cardinal tetras.

  Diet

  Cardinal Tetras are omnivorous and will eat a variety of fish foods, live foods such as brine shrimp and live black worm, and plant matter.

  Breeding

  Egg layers that scatter their eggs on leaves, glass, and rocks in the aquarium. Parents should be removed from the tank after they lay the eggs as theCardinal Tetra are notorious egg eaters.

  Here are some tips for caring for the Cardinal Tetra:

  • Keep them in a school of about 6 or more.
  • Provide a planted aquarium to help them feel less stressed.
  • Maintain water parameters of pH: 5.5—7.0 and temperature: 22°C - 27°C.
  • Use a dark substrate in the breeding tank and very dim lighting.
  • Filter the water through aquarium-safe peat.
  • Provide fine-textured, live plants as a spawning medium