Think Fish - The Tropical Fish Keeping Resource

Fish Database: Cardinal Tetra - Paracheirodon axelrodi

Aquarium requirements

Aquarium suitability: 4/5
Sociability rating: 9/10
Area of tank: Middle
Aquarium water conditions: 5-7.5, vs,s,m
Temperature: 24 - 28C
Feeding: Flake, frozen, live foods
Minimum tank size: 60cm
Min / Max number in tank: Min 6

Fish fact file

Family: Characidae (Characins)
Synonyms: Cheirodon axelrodi, Hyphessobrycon cardinalis
Other common names:
Origin: South America; Upper Orinoco & Rio Negro River basins
Natural habitat: Large shoals in open, clear, slow moving or standing water
Size: 4cm
Behavior: Peaceful, shoaling
Breeding: Egg scatterer. Eggs hatch after 24 hours, unlikely to breed in home aquaria
Natural water conditions: pH 4-6, very soft to soft
Sexing: Males are more slender

Fish code No.0904

Recently Viewed fish: Cardinal Tetra

The Cardinal Tetra is arguably more colourful than the similar Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) but must be kept in soft-medium water if it is to show its full colour and lifespan. In hard water the fish is likely to die prematurely from a build-up of salts in the kidneys. Apart from this requirement, once settled the Cardinal Tetra is a relatively hardy and well-suited aquarium fish. In the wild, these fish shoal in groups of hundreds, if kept in the aquarium in small numbers they will become timid, reclusive and more likely to become ill. The Cardinal Tetra is at its best when kept in groups of a dozen or more in aquariums with open areas and spots of dense vegetation. Avoid bright lighting or provide areas of shade.

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