🐟 Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
🐟 Cardinal Tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi
Red & Blue • Peaceful • Schooling
📋 The Cardinal Tetra is one of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, admired for its iridescent blue stripe and vivid red belly that runs the full length of the body. Unlike its cousin, the Neon Tetra, the red extends from nose to tail, making it more vibrant and striking.
Cardinal Tetras are peaceful schooling fish, best kept in groups of 6 or more. They thrive in well-planted aquariums with gentle flow, soft acidic water, and shaded lighting.
Due to their beauty, hardiness, and shoaling behavior, they make an ideal centerpiece schooling fish in freshwater community aquariums.
💡 Highlights
🔵 Iridescent Blue Stripe – Glows under aquarium lighting
🔴 Full-Length Red Belly – Distinguishes it from Neon Tetras
👨👩👧 Community Friendly – Perfect for peaceful aquariums
🌿 Thrives in Groups – Keep in shoals of 6+
💡 Aquascaping Favorite – Looks best in planted tanks
🧾 A Quick Look at the Cardinal Tetra
📛 Common Name: Cardinal Tetra
🔬 Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
👨👩👧 Family: Characidae
🌍 Origin: South America (Amazon Basin: Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia)
📏 Max Size: 4–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
💧 pH Range: 5.0 – 7.0
🌡️ Temperature Range: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
🧠 Care Level: Easy to Moderate
💖 Temperament: Peaceful
🏠 Min Tank Size: 60 L (15+ US gallons, shoal of 6+)
📌 Tank Level: Mid to top levels
🧬 Captive Bred: Yes
🌿 Wild Caught: No
⏳ Lifespan: 4 – 5 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore – micro-pellets, flakes, frozen/live foods
🐣 Reproduction: Egg scatterer – difficult in home aquariums
