Cardinal Tetra     Paracheirodon axelrodi

Grows to: 1.5"

Hobbyist Level:  Not recommended for beginners.

How Many?  They are a schooling fish that should be be purchased in groups of 4 or more.  Six or more is best.

Housing:  Provide plenty of swimming room as well as some bushy plants for hiding.  They look good with a dark background and substrate.  They swim in the mid to top region of the tank.  They enjoy a moderate water current.  Cardinal Tetras will not tolerate high nitrate levels and frequent water changes are often needed.  They prefer very soft water.  Minimum tank size is about 10 gallons. (Temperature- 73-82),  (pH 6.0-6.8)

Tank mates:  They are peaceful fish that should be kept with other peaceful fish of similar size.  They will school with neon tetras.

Feeding:  They will accept a variety of foods.  Feed flakes, along with brine shrimp and frozen foods.  Tetras will show their best color after you have owned it for a few months and have given them a good diet.  They are an omnivore.

Natural Habitat:  Brazil.

Males and Females:  Females will appear more round bodied when plump with eggs.

See also:  Tetras