Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon Axelrodi) Fish Species Profile
The Cardinal tetra is arguably the world's most popular aquarium fish species. It is similar in appearance and often confused with the Neon tetra.
The Cardinal tetra is a highly sociable fish and should be kept in as large groups as possible, so they form tight groups and create a dazzling shoaling effect that forms the focal point of any aquarium. They are more sensitive and susceptible to poor water conditions than their neon cousins and prefer a heavily planted aquarium that replicates a more natural habitat.
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon Axelrodi |
|---|---|
| Family | Characidae |
| Genus | Paracheirodon |
| Origins | South America |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 5 years |
| Maximum Size | 2.0 inch |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 73.4 - 84.2 ℉ (23 - 29 ℃) |
| PH | 3.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 1 - 5 |
| KH | 2 - 6 |
| TDS | 20 - 215 |
Distribution & Origins
This species comes from South America from slow-moving creeks such as the Orinoco and the Rio Negro, feeding mainly on worms and crustaceans on the lower levels of the canals and streams.
Dietary Requirements
Cardinal tetras will accept virtually all forms of aquarium food such as flakes, pellets, granules to frozen and live foods which should be included in their diet, as well as green vegetables on occasion to maintain a healthy balanced diet.
Sexing the Cardinal Tetra
The male and female Cardinals are similar in appearance and colour, making it quite difficult to determine the gender when young. However, as the fish mature, this becomes easier to determine as females become plumper and larger than their male counterparts.
Breeding the Cardinal Tetra
Cardinal tetras require their own dimly lit aquarium with very soft water, have many plants and moss for a place for them to lay their eggs.
Once the adults have spawned its essential to remove them as quickly as possible because if given the opportunity, they will egg the eggs and fry once they have hatched.