Cardinal Tetra - (No Online Purchases)

Name: Cardinal Tetra

Scientific Name:
Paracheirodon axelrodi

Description:
A striking, peaceful schooling fish featuring a brilliant iridescent blue stripe and vivid red colouring that extends along most of the lower body. Cardinal Tetras are active, colourful and popular additions to planted community aquariums.

Origin:
South America, particularly the upper Rio Negro and Orinoco River basins of Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.

pH:
Approximately:5–7

Temperature:
Around:22–28°C

Adult Size:
Approximately3–5 cm

Lifespan:
Approximately4–5 years, although well-cared-for specimens can live longer in captivity.

Food:
Feed quality micro pellets or crushed flakes supplemented with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms and mosquito larvae.

Compatibility:
A peaceful community fish best kept in a school of at least8–10, with larger groups preferred. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids and other similarly sized non-aggressive fish.

Habitat:
Best kept in a well-planted aquarium with open swimming areas, subdued lighting and gentle water movement. Driftwood, leaf litter and floating plants can help recreate the shaded, soft-water environments found within their natural range.