Cardinal Tetra

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingEasy tank upkeep

  No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment4–5 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Skin conditions

The cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) comes from the blackwater tributaries of the upper Orinoco and Negro river basins in Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil. It grows to about 4–5 cm and lives 4–5 years, occasionally longer. Unlike the neon tetra, its brilliant red stripe runs the entire length of its body. Cardinals are shoaling fish for a tank of 75 litres or more, best in groups of eight or more to feel secure. They evolved in very soft, acidic blackwater, so aim for 23–27°C with a pH of 4.5–6.5, a dark substrate and dense planting with driftwood and leaf litter. Their colour glows most vividly against a shaded background. These micro-omnivores take fine flake, micro-pellets and small frozen foods such as daphnia, cyclops and baby brine shrimp. Peaceful and slightly hardier than neons once settled, they suit gentle community tanks but must not share space with large predators. Their main risks are ich, skin infections and stress in hard or unstable water; soft, clean, well-planted conditions keep them at their brightest.

• How active is a Cardinal Tetra?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Cardinal Tetra need?

  Easy tank upkeep. No grooming here — steady water quality and routine tank care do it.

• What tank size does a Cardinal Tetra need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Cardinal Tetra a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Cardinal Tetra live?

  4–5 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Cardinal Tetra?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Skin conditions. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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