Cardinal Tetra EXPERT ONLY
The Cardinal Tetra brings delicate beauty to any home freshwater aquarium. It has a bright blue stripe contrasted by a lower red stripe that runs the entire length of its body. This coloration differs from its cousin, the Neon Tetra, which has a red stripe that runs only halfway down the body. Equally as peaceful as Neon Tetras, Paracheirodon axelrodi will school together for a brilliant display of activity and color to dress small to large aquarium systems.
Native to the slow moving waters of the various, well-vegetated tributaries in South America, the Cardinal Tetra needs at least a 10-gallon aquarium that is densely planted with areas of low or subdued lighting. The Cardinal Tetra does best in soft, acidic water with few fluctuations in water parameters.
| Specifications |
|---|
| Species: Paracheirodon axelrodi |
| Size: Up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Water Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Water pH: 5.5–6.5 |
| Water Hardness: Soft |
| Compatibility: Peaceful, schools well with similar species |
| Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons |
FAQ
What is the difference between Cardinal Tetra and Neon Tetra?
The Cardinal Tetra has a red stripe that runs the entire length of its body, while the Neon Tetra has a red stripe that only extends halfway down its body.
What kind of lighting and plants are recommended for Cardinal Tetras?
Cardinal Tetras thrive in densely planted tanks with low to subdued lighting.
What water conditions do Cardinal Tetras prefer?
They do best in soft, acidic water with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 and stable water parameters.
Dominic Lambert –
Added a school of Cardinal Tetras to my 20-gallon tank. They are very active and add a stunning visual appeal. The blue and red stripes stand out well in the dim lighting. I keep the tank well-planted with java fern and anubias. Water parameters have stayed stable since introduction.
Elizabeth Rees –
These fish are peaceful and form a nice school. I noticed they prefer shaded areas near plants. The tank looks vibrant in the morning light. I maintain soft water and low lighting as recommended.
Stewart Welch –
Great addition to my freshwater setup. They swim in coordinated patterns and look beautiful together. I’ve kept them for over six months with no issues. The tank is planted heavily, and the water pH has remained consistently low.