Cardinal Tetra

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Because it uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, leave enough open swimming space instead of crowding that part of the aquarium.

The listed lifespan is 4–8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

An aquarium of 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.

Water parameters

The temperature range for this fish is 24–28 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.

The pH range for this fish is 4.5–7. That points to acidic to neutral water, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.

The GH range for this fish is 1–8 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.

The KH range is 0–5 dKH. Use it as a general stability reference rather than a reason for aggressive adjustments.

Temperament and compatibility

As a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer, Cardinal Tetra is best kept with calm species that will not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

Because this fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, compatibility is easier when other fish are not all competing for the same swimming space.

Plant safe

Yes

Shrimp safe

Yes

Snail safe

Yes

Community safe

Yes

Aquascape fit

Yes

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle to upper part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Cardinal Tetra should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Offer fine flakes, micro-granules and small live or frozen foods such as Artemia, Cyclops and Daphnia.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty is currently recorded as Advanced, so breeding plans should be researched beyond the basic care profile.

A group of six is survivable but not ideal. Twelve or more fish in a longer aquarium generally produces more secure behaviour and a stronger visual school.

Before adding this fish

• Plan for an aquarium of 75 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
• Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
• Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
• Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
• Offer a varied diet that matches this species.