Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here is a complete and detailed care guide for the Cardinal Tetra โ a stunning freshwater...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here is a complete and detailed care guide for the Cardinal Tetra โ a stunning freshwater species prized for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature.
Cardinal Tetra
Red Neon Tetra (commonly confused with Neon Tetra)
Category | Detail |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
Family | Characidae |
Origin | Amazon River Basin โ Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia |
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 โ 2 inches (3.8 โ 5 cm) |
Lifespan | 4 โ 5 years (up to 7 years with good care) |
Sexual Dimorphism | Females are slightly plumper and rounder than males |
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 23ยฐC โ 28ยฐC (73ยฐF โ 82ยฐF) |
pH Level | 4.5 โ 6.5 (soft, acidic water) |
Hardness | 1 โ 6 dGH |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Feature | Recommendations |
---|---|
Tank Size | Minimum 15โ20 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 โ they can jump occasionally |
Trait | Description |
---|---|
Temperament | Very peaceful, non-aggressive |
Behavior | Active schooling fish |
Swimming Level | Middle levels of the tank |
Compatibility | Great for calm community tanks |
โ Compatible With | โ 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) |
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) |
Feed 1โ2 times per day in small amounts
Avoid overfeeding to prevent water quality issues
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Spawning Type | Egg scatterers |
Breeding Tank Setup | Soft, acidic water (pH 4.5โ5.5), temp around 26ยฐC, low light |
Spawning Behavior | Occurs at dawn โ eggs are scattered among plants |
Parental Care | None โ remove adults after spawning |
Egg Hatch Time | 24โ36 hours |
Fry Feeding | Infusoria or liquid fry food โ baby brine shrimp |
Breeding Cardinal Tetras in captivity is more difficult than Neon Tetras due to their stricter water requirements.
โ๏ธ Always keep in groups to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior
โ๏ธ Maintain stable, soft, acidic water
โ๏ธ Do regular water changes (25โ30% weekly)
โ๏ธ Avoid sudden temperature or pH fluctuations
โ๏ธ Quarantine new fish before introducing to tank
Feature | Info |
---|---|
Scientific Name | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
Common Name | Cardinal Tetra |
Size | 1.5 โ 2 inches |
Temperament | Peaceful |
Care Level | Moderate |
Lifespan | 4 โ 5 years |
Diet | Omnivorous |
Tank Level | Middle |
Best For | Planted community aquariums |
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 (4.5โ6.5) | Tolerates slightly higher (6.0โ7.0) |
Care Level | Moderate | Easy |
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.
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