The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a stunning freshwater fish admired for its brilliant neon blue stripe and vibrant red coloration that runs the full length of its body. They are peaceful schooling fish, often compared to the Neon Tetra but with more intense and extended red coloration.
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The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a stunning freshwater fish admired for its brilliant neon blue stripe and vibrant red coloration that runs the full length of its body. They are peaceful schooling fish, often compared to the Neon Tetra but with more intense and extended red coloration.
Slender body with a vivid neon blue stripe running horizontally from nose to tail and a brilliant red coloration covering the lower body from head to tail. Grows up to 2 inches (5 cm), slightly larger than the Neon Tetra.
5–8 years in captivity with good care
Omnivorous — thrives on high-quality flakes, micro-pellets, and enjoys live or frozen foods like daphnia, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
Cardinal Tetras are one of the most visually stunning small freshwater fish available. Their vivid coloration, peaceful schooling nature, and elegance make them highly sought-after for planted aquariums. While they require slightly more care than Neon Tetras, they reward aquarists with unmatched beauty and activity.
Moderate — requires stable, clean, and soft water conditions.
15 gallons (best in schools of 6–10+)
5.0 to 7.0
1–6 dGH
73–81°F (23–27°C)
2 inches (5 cm)
Other small peaceful fish such as rasboras, neon tetras, ember tetras, corydoras, otocinclus, shrimp, and snails.
Aggressive or predatory fish such as large cichlids, bettas, angelfish (may eat them), and fin-nipping species.
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Characidae
Amazon Basin — Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela
Schooling fish, thrives in groups of 10 or more. Peaceful and highly active, best in planted aquariums with gentle water flow.
Feed 2–3 times daily. Provide a base of high-quality flakes or micro-pellets, with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia a few times a week for variety and optimal coloration.
Egg scatterer. Breeding requires very soft, acidic water (pH around 5.0–6.0). Eggs are scattered among plants and substrate. Adults must be removed after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
Difficult to breed in captivity compared to Neon Tetras. Requires soft (0–2 dGH), acidic water (pH 5.0–6.0), with very low light. Eggs hatch within 24–36 hours, and fry become free-swimming after 3–4 days. Fry require microscopic foods such as infusoria before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.
pH: 5.0–7.0, Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C), Hardness: 1–6 dGH, Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm, Nitrate: <20 ppm.
Sensitive to poor water quality. Prone to Neon Tetra Disease (though less common than in Neons), ich, and stress-related illnesses if parameters fluctuate.
Peaceful, schooling fish that thrives in groups
Highly peaceful and active schooling fish. They are social, thrive in groups, and display their best coloration and natural behavior when kept in schools of 10 or more.
Cardinal Tetras originate from the slow-moving blackwater rivers and streams of the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil and Colombia. Their striking red coloration, which covers the lower half of their body from nose to tail, distinguishes them from Neon Tetras. They are slightly larger and more colorful, making them a prized addition to community aquariums. They are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6–10, with larger groups providing more natural behavior and reduced stress. They prefer planted aquariums with subdued lighting, dark substrate, and soft, slightly acidic water to mimic their natural environment.