Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
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Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
Vibrant Red & Blue • Peaceful Schooling Fish • Ideal for Planted Aquariums
The Cardinal Tetra is one of the most vibrant freshwater fish available, featuring a striking full-length red stripe paired with an electric blue line. These peaceful schooling fish are a favorite among aquarists for their intense coloration and calm behavior.
Often compared to Neon Tetras, Cardinal Tetras display a more vivid and extended red coloration, making them a premium choice for planted aquariums and aquascaping setups. When kept in schools, they create a stunning visual effect as they move together through the tank.
Cardinal Tetras thrive in stable water conditions and are best suited for established aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water.
Size at Sale: Approximately 0.75–1 inch
🔥 Cardinal Tetra vs Neon Tetra
Cardinal Tetras feature a full-length red stripe, while Neon Tetras only have red on the lower half of their body. Cardinals are often considered more vibrant and are especially popular in planted aquariums.
🐠 Key Features
📦 Product Details
Common Name: Cardinal Tetra
Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Diet: Omnivore
Adult Size: Up to 2 inches
Temperature: 74–82°F
pH Range: 5.5–7.0
Tank Level: Midwater
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
🎯 Ideal For
- Planted aquariums and aquascaping setups
- Peaceful community tanks
- Hobbyists looking for vibrant schooling fish
- Adding color contrast to planted layouts
🛠 Care Tips
- Keep in groups of 6 or more for best behavior
- Prefer stable, well-established aquariums
- Provide plants and shaded areas
- Avoid large or aggressive tank mates
- Maintain clean, stable water conditions
🐠 Perfect Tank Mates
- Neon Tetras
- Ember Tetras
- Rasboras
- Corydoras Catfish
- Dwarf Gouramis
- Freshwater shrimp
🍽 Recommended Food
- Micro pellets and flakes
- Frozen foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia)
- High-quality small fish diets
📦 What You’ll Receive
- Healthy, vibrant Cardinal Tetra
- Carefully packed for safe shipping
- Heat/cold packs as needed
- Live arrival guarantee
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cardinal Tetras better than Neon Tetras?
Cardinal Tetras are often considered more vibrant due to their full-length red stripe and are especially popular in planted aquariums.
Are Cardinal Tetras beginner-friendly?
Yes, but they prefer stable, established aquariums, making them slightly more sensitive than Neon Tetras.
How many should be kept together?
At least 6, but larger schools provide better behavior and visual impact.
Can they live in planted tanks?
Absolutely — they thrive in planted aquariums and look stunning in aquascapes.
Are they aggressive?
No, they are peaceful and ideal for community aquariums.
