Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon axelrodi

Bigger and bolder than its neon cousin – the red runs the full length of its body. A classic companion for discus.

A peaceful freshwater fish that grows to 4 cm, lives in the middle of the tank in groups of 6 or more and needs 23–30 °C, pH 5.0–7.4 and an aquarium of at least 60 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

23–30 °C (73–86 °F)

pH

5.0–7.4

Adult size

4 cm (1.6 in)

Aquarium

60 L or bigger (16 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

6 or more

Swims

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Wild home

Rio Negro, Brazil

Good to know

• Delicate. Sensitive to poor water quality.

Tank mates

Good company: Amano Shrimp, Bristlenose Pleco, Corydoras, Dwarf Gourami, Ghost Shrimp, Honey Gourami, Kuhli Loach, Marbled Hatchetfish, Mystery Snail, Otocinclus.

Eaten by: Angelfish, Asian Arowana, Axolotl, Black Ghost Knifefish, Electric Blue Acara, Firemouth Cichlid, Flowerhorn, Frontosa, Jack Dempsey, Motoro Stingray, Ornate Bichir, Oscar and 1 more.

Attacked by: Demasoni Cichlid, Flowerhorn, Jack Dempsey.

Eats the newborn fry of: Celestial Pearl Danio, Chili Rasbora, Crystal Red Shrimp, Ember Tetra, Endler's Livebearer, Ghost Shrimp, Glowlight Tetra, Neocaridina Shrimp, Neon Tetra, Pea Puffer, White Cloud Minnow.

Its fry are eaten by: Bala Shark, Betta, Black Skirt Tetra, Bloodfin Tetra, Boesemani Rainbowfish, Cherry Barb, Clown Loach, Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Comet Goldfish, Congo Tetra, Discus, Dwarf Gourami and 25 more.

Grown ones eat their own newborn fry, so raise the young in another aquarium.

Colours and breeding

• Classic uncommon

In Aquarius a grown male and female breed in a healthy tank. Their young are born about 0.3 cm long and take after one of the parents.

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.