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Freshwater fishCardinal Tetra
Cardinal Tetra
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Fire-red and reflective blue stripes along the length of this fish helped make the cardinal tetra the most popular aquarium fish in Europe. An entire industry in Brazil is involved in catching and sustaining this species, employing thousands who would otherwise work in deforestation industries. Therefore, cardinal tetras are one of the many tropical fish that help save the rainforest. So, keeping aquariums helps the planet.
Cardinals are the most popular fish in the aquarium trade in Europe and second to GloFish in the USA. These fish will not tolerate pH over 7.4 and need good, clean water, just like the Amazon.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Paracheirodon axelrodi |
| Origin | Rio Negro and Orinoco basins (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela) |
| Care Level | Moderate (needs soft, clean water) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Adult Size | Up to 1½" |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
| Diet | Omnivore (tiny foods) |
| Water Temperature | 76–84°F |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Group Size | Does best in a group |
| Shipping Size | Medium: approx. ¾–1" · Large: approx. 1¼–1½" |
Care Guide
Tank setup: These small tetras do best in a planted tank with soft, slightly acidic water, a dark substrate, driftwood, floating plants and gentle filtration. A larger school makes them more confident and colorful.
Feeding: Feed small amounts of micro pellets or crushed flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen brine shrimp.
Tankmates: Keep them with other small, peaceful fish like rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, pygmy corydoras, otocinclus and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could eat or bully them.
Good to know: Small tetras show their best color in a large school in a planted tank with soft lighting.
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