Cardinal Tetra care guide
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 24-28 °C, pH 4.5-7. Peaceful middle-water species.
Overview
The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a small characid with an iridescent blue lateral line and a continuous deep-red band extending the full length of the lower body. It is closely related to the Neon Tetra but the red coloration covers a noticeably greater portion of the body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Characidae
- Genus: Paracheirodon
- Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
- Common synonyms: Red Neon Tetra
Habitat
Native to the upper Orinoco and upper Rio Negro drainages in Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. It inhabits shaded, slow-moving blackwater rivers and inundated forest where humic acids stain the water and reduce mineral content. Leaf litter and submerged branches dominate the substrate.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 4.5-7
- GH: 1-8 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
Cardinal Tetras are micropredators. Studies of wild specimens record a diet of chironomid larvae, microcrustaceans (water fleas, copepods), insect eggs, rotifers and testate amoebae picked from leaf litter and vegetation. In aquaria they readily accept micro-pellets, crushed flakes and small frozen foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling species suited to soft-water community tanks. Keep groups of at least six. Compatible with Neon Tetra, Rummy-nose Tetra, Corydoras, Otocinclus and other small soft-water community species. Avoid keeping with adult Angelfish, Oscar or other large predators.
Breeding
Breeding is considered difficult. It requires very soft, acidic water (GH 1-2, pH 5.0-6.0) and dim light. Spawning takes place among fine-leaved plants where eggs and milt are released simultaneously. Eggs are highly sensitive to fungal infection and ultraviolet light; the spawning tank must be kept dark until the fry are free-swimming.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. A large share of fish in the international trade are wild-caught in Brazil under regulated fisheries; captive-bred specimens are also widely available.