Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Cardinal Tetra is a peaceful middle-to-top swimmer. Keep in a school of 10+.

PeacefulMiddle to top swimmerKeep in a school of 10+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
1.6–2" (4–5 cm)
Aquarium size
20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Peaceful
Swimming zone
Middle to top swimmer
Temperature
75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH
4.5–7
GH
1–8 dGH
KH
0–5 dKH
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
4–8 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 10+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: 4–8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 4.5–7, GH 1–8 dGH, KH 0–5 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Cardinal Tetra is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Keep in a school of 10+.

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. Keep in a school of 10+.

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.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
  • Keep in a school of 10+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Natural habitat: Warm forest streams and tributaries with very soft water, submerged wood, leaf litter and subdued light.

Breeding notes

Breeding difficulty: Advanced.

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.

Important notes

  • Requires stable, clean water.
  • Do not keep in a very small group.
  • Warm-water requirements limit suitable tank mates.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Arowana Tetra Gnathocharax steindachneri Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Arrow Royal Tetra Inpaichthys luizae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon copelandi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) Black Line Tetra Hyphessobrycon scholzei Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Black Neon Tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black-belt Tetra Hemigrammus kuroobi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Cardinal Tetra get?

Cardinal Tetra reaches 1.6–2" (4–5 cm).

What aquarium size does Cardinal Tetra need?

Use an aquarium of at least 20 US gal (75 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Cardinal Tetra peaceful?

Yes. Cardinal Tetra is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Cardinal Tetra?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Cardinal Tetra be kept alone or in a group?

Cardinal Tetra: Keep in a school of 10+.

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