The Cardinal Tetra comes from the slow-moving waters of the various tributaries of the Rio Negro in South America. It is a small, peaceful, schooling fish with bright colors. The top half of the fish is a bright blue and the bottom half is bright red. The Cardinal Tetra differs from the Neon Tetra in that the lower red stripe runs the length of its body as opposed to the Neon, which has a red stripe running half way along the lower portion of the body.
The ideal setup is an aquarium of at least 30 gallons, and should be densely planted with plenty of low light areas. The Cardinal Tetra does best in soft water with an acidic pH. Stock this fish in groups of six or more and provide tank mates that are peaceful and do not pose a threat to the Cardinal Tetra.
Breeding the Cardinal Tetra requires very soft water in the 1-2 dH range with a pH of 5-6 and low lighting levels. The female may lay as many as 130 eggs, and the adults should be removed at this time. The eggs will hatch in about 24 hours, and will become waterborne in approximately five days. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp and other suitable small foods. The Cardinal Tetra will accept many small foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, micro pellet food, and high quality flake food.
Ideal tank mates include: Tetras, Dwarf Gouramis, Danios, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, Discus, Angelfish, Guppies, Platies, Mollies, Swordtails, Plecos and Scavenger Catfish.
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Name: Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
Family: Characidae Range: South America Size: Up to 2 inches Diet: Omnivore Tank Set-up: Freshwater: Densely planted, rocks, driftwood Tank Conditions: 73-81°F; pH 4.6-6.2; dH 2-6 Minimum Tank Capacity: 30 gallons Light: Low Temperament: Peaceful Swimming Level: No specific level Care Level: Moderate Reproduction: Egg Layer |
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