Cardinal tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Moderate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum tank
- 80 L
- Maximum size
- 4 cm
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- Group size
- ≥ 8
- Diet
- Omnivore
Care at a glance
The cardinal tetra looks like the neon tetra, but its red stripe runs the full length of the belly and it grows slightly larger. It comes from warm, extremely soft Amazon waters, and its preferences reflect that: higher temperatures and softer, more acidic water than the average community fish.
It only really shines in a school; kept alone or in small numbers it wastes away. A dark substrate, fine planting and subdued light make the colours glow. Cardinals are a bit more delicate than neons, especially right after purchase, so give them a stable, mature tank and time to settle in.
Related species
Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.
In the BlubHub app you link your inhabitants to this database and see the care info next to your own water parameters.