Cardinal Tetra – Paracheirodon axelrodi
The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is one of the most vibrant freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. Known for its full-length red stripe and electric blue line, this peaceful tetra adds intense color, movement, and contrast to planted aquariums and community tanks.
Often compared to the Neon Tetra, the Cardinal Tetra has a longer red stripe that runs nearly the full length of the body. This bold coloration makes Cardinals a premium choice for aquascapes, planted tanks, and established freshwater aquariums with stable water conditions.
Key Features
- Vivid full-length red and blue coloration
- Peaceful freshwater schooling fish
- Excellent for planted aquariums and aquascapes
- Small colorful fish for community tanks
- Best kept in groups of 6 or more
- Beautiful contrast against live plants and darker backgrounds
Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
- Common Name: Cardinal Tetra
- Care Level: Easy to moderate
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Adult Size: Up to approximately 2 inches
- Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
- Tank Level: Midwater
- Water Temperature: 74–82°F
- pH Range: 5.5–7.0
- Diet: Omnivore
Cardinal Tetra vs. Neon Tetra
Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras look similar, but Cardinal Tetras usually show a stronger full-length red stripe, while Neon Tetras have red mainly on the lower rear half of the body. Cardinal Tetras are often considered more vibrant and are especially popular in planted aquariums and aquascaping layouts.
Why Choose Cardinal Tetras?
Cardinal Tetras are a great choice for aquarists who want a peaceful schooling fish with bold color and a refined look. A group of Cardinals creates a stunning display as they move together through plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.
They are best suited for stable, established aquariums with clean water and peaceful tankmates. Their vivid red and blue coloration stands out beautifully in planted tanks with darker substrate and shaded areas.
Ideal Tank Setup
Cardinal Tetras do best in a fully cycled, established aquarium with live plants, open swimming space, and gentle to moderate filtration. Driftwood, floating plants, darker backgrounds, and shaded areas can help them feel secure while enhancing their color.
Keep Cardinal Tetras in groups of at least 6 or more for best schooling behavior, confidence, and reduced stress. Avoid sudden changes in water temperature or pH, especially when adding them to a new aquarium.
Compatible Tankmates
- Neon Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Other peaceful tetras
- Small rasboras
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Small peaceful gouramis
- Shrimp with proper cover
- Small peaceful snails
Tankmates to Avoid
- Large predatory fish
- Aggressive cichlids
- Large angelfish that may eat small tetras
- Fin-nipping species
- Overly active fish that may outcompete them for food
Diet & Feeding
Cardinal Tetras are omnivores and accept a variety of small aquarium foods. Feed quality micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other appropriately sized foods.
A varied diet helps support strong color, activity, and overall health. Feed small portions that the group can consume quickly.
Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more
- Use a stable, established aquarium
- Provide live plants and shaded areas
- Maintain clean, stable water conditions
- Avoid large or aggressive tankmates
- Feed small foods suited for nano schooling fish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cardinal Tetras better than Neon Tetras?
Cardinal Tetras are often considered more vibrant because of their full-length red stripe. Both are beautiful schooling fish, but Cardinals usually have a stronger red-and-blue color contrast.
Are Cardinal Tetras beginner-friendly?
They can be beginner-friendly in a stable, established aquarium, but they are slightly more sensitive than some hardy beginner fish. Clean, stable water is important.
How many Cardinal Tetras should I keep together?
Keep at least 6 or more. Larger groups usually show better schooling behavior, confidence, and visual impact.
Can Cardinal Tetras live in planted tanks?
Yes. Cardinal Tetras are excellent for planted aquariums and look especially striking against live plants, driftwood, and darker backgrounds.
Are Cardinal Tetras aggressive?
No. Cardinal Tetras are peaceful schooling fish and are ideal for calm freshwater community aquariums.
What do Cardinal Tetras eat?
They eat micro pellets, fine flakes, crushed flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small foods.
Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Cardinal Tetras are vibrant peaceful schooling fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and established freshwater community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop tetras, nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.
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