Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi Schultz, 1956

Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

The Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 4.5 cm (1.8 in). It is difficult to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: Northern South America, Venezuela, through Brazil Into Eastern Colombia. Found in the tributaries of the Rio Negro and the Orinoco river.

Cardinal tetra care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Temperature
23–27°C (73–81°F)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes, pellets, bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Biology

Occurs mainly in shoals in the middle water layers. Feeds on worms and small crustaceans. Breeding in captivity is possible but difficult and most specimens in the aquarium trade are caught in the tributaries of the Rio Negro and Orinoco. Eggs hatch in 24 to 30 hours and fry are free-swimming after 3 to 4 days in captivity. One of the most popular and beautiful aquarium fishes. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
2.5
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 4.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 12 pelagic; non-migratory
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Upper Orinoco and Negro River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

More tetras & characins

See all tetras & characins

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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