Tetra: Cardinal

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Cardinal Tetras are sought out for their striking appearance. They feature a bright neon-blue stripe running along the length of their body, complemented by a vivid red stripe extending from the middle to the tail. Their shimmering colors make them a focal point in any aquarium. They're very similar to the Neon Tetra, but get bigger in size!

Size and Lifespan

Cardinal Tetras grow no more than 2 inches! They typically live between 5 years with proper care.

Tank Size and Requirements

We recommend a tank that is 10 gallons for a school of Cardinal Tetras. They typically occupy the top and middle level of the water column, although it can often be seen swimming and feeding in the middle and bottom levels as well. It is safe to keep with other peaceful, small and medium sized fish. Cardinal tetras are schooling fish, so the minimum you would want to keep together is 6 to avoid stress.

Diet

Cardinal tetras will thrive and remain very colorful on a varied diet of omnivorous foods.  High-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen or live omnivorous and meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Feeding variety is key to maintaining optimal health and coloration!