Arguably the most popular of the small tetras, the cardinal tetra is similar in appearance to a longtime aquarium favorite, the neon tetra. Cardinal tetras are an active schooling fish and they live well in a peaceful community aquarium. Although they are difficult to breed in captivity, tetras remain a very popular aquarium fish.
COMMON NAMES: Cardinal tetra
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Paracheirodon axelrodi
ADULT SIZE: 2 inches (5 cm)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Four years
Characteristics
Family | Characidae |
---|---|
Origin | Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela |
Social | Peaceful, suitable for a community tank |
Tank Level | Top to mid-dweller |
Minimum Tank Size | 20 gallon |
Diet | Omnivore |
Breeding | Egglayer |
Care | Intermediate |
pH | 4.6 to 6.2 |
Hardness | Up to 4 dGH |
Temperature | 73 to 81 degrees F (23 to 27 degrees C) |