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Here is a complete and detailed care guide for the Cardinal Tetra – a stunning freshwater species prized for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature.
🐟 Cardinal Tetra – Full Details & Care Guide
✅ Common Names:
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Cardinal Tetra
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Red Neon Tetra (commonly confused with Neon Tetra)
🔬 Scientific Classification:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
| Family | Characidae |
| Origin | Amazon River Basin – Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia |
🎨 Appearance:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Bright iridescent blue stripe across the body, with a vivid red stripe running from the head to the tail (unlike Neon Tetra, where red starts mid-body) |
| Size | 1.5 – 2 inches (3.8 – 5 cm) |
| Lifespan | 4 – 5 years (up to 7 years with good care) |
| Sexual Dimorphism | Females are slightly plumper and rounder than males |
🌡️ Water Parameters:
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 23°C – 28°C (73°F – 82°F) |
| pH Level | 4.5 – 6.5 (soft, acidic water) |
| Hardness | 1 – 6 dGH |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
🏡 Tank Setup:
| Feature | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 15–20 gallons |
| School Size | 6 or more (10+ preferred) |
| Substrate | Dark sand or gravel enhances color contrast |
| Aquascape | Dense live plants (Amazon sword, Java fern, Anubias), leaf litter, and driftwood |
| Lighting | Low to moderate (brings out colors) |
| Filtration | Gentle flow with high-quality filtration |
| Tank Lid | Yes – they can jump occasionally |
🧠 Temperament & Behavior:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Very peaceful, non-aggressive |
| Behavior | Active schooling fish |
| Swimming Level | Middle levels of the tank |
| Compatibility | Great for calm community tanks |
🤝 Ideal Tank Mates:
| ✅ Compatible With | ❌ Avoid With |
|---|---|
| Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras | Large cichlids, Oscars |
| Corydoras, Otocinclus | Aggressive or fin-nippers |
| Guppies, Rasboras, Harlequin Rasbora | Fast, dominant feeders |
| Dwarf Gouramis, Amano Shrimp | Betta fish (with caution) |
🍽️ Feeding:
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Flake Food | High-quality micro flakes |
| Pellets | Micro pellets for small fish |
| Live/Frozen | Brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia |
| Vegetable-Based | Spirulina-based flakes, blanched greens (occasionally) |
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Feed 1–2 times per day in small amounts
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Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues
🐣 Breeding Cardinal Tetras:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Spawning Type | Egg scatterers |
| Breeding Tank Setup | Soft, acidic water (pH 4.5–5.5), temp around 26°C, low light |
| Spawning Behavior | Occurs at dawn – eggs are scattered among plants |
| Parental Care | None – remove adults after spawning |
| Egg Hatch Time | 24–36 hours |
| Fry Feeding | Infusoria or liquid fry food → baby brine shrimp |
Breeding Cardinal Tetras in captivity is more difficult than Neon Tetras due to their stricter water requirements.
🧼 Care Tips:
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✔️ Always keep in groups to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior
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✔️ Maintain stable, soft, acidic water
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✔️ Do regular water changes (25–30% weekly)
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✔️ Avoid sudden temperature or pH fluctuations
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✔️ Quarantine new fish before introducing to tank
📋 Quick Summary:
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
| Common Name | Cardinal Tetra |
| Size | 1.5 – 2 inches |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 4 – 5 years |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Tank Level | Middle |
| Best For | Planted community aquariums |
🌟 Key Differences: Cardinal vs. Neon Tetra
| Feature | Cardinal Tetra | Neon Tetra |
|---|---|---|
| Red Stripe | Runs full body | Starts mid-body to tail |
| Size | Slightly larger (up to 2") | Smaller (up to 1.5") |
| pH Tolerance | Prefers lower pH (4.5–6.5) | Tolerates slightly higher (6.0–7.0) |
| Care Level | Moderate | Easy |
🪷 Best Display Tip:
Cardinal Tetras look stunning in heavily planted tanks with driftwood, subdued lighting, and a school of 10 or more. Their neon red and blue hues shine beautifully in dark, calm aquariums.
IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.
We process orders on all weekdays (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.
Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.
To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.
