Cardinal Tetra

Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi

The Cardinal Tetra is one of the most iconic freshwater schooling fish in the aquarium hobby. It features a brilliant electric-blue stripe along the upper body contrasted by an intense red stripe extending nearly the entire length of the fish. This full-length red coloration is one of the easiest ways to distinguish a Cardinal Tetra from the closely related Neon Tetra.

Cardinal Tetras are peaceful, social fish that look their best when maintained in a large school. They prefer warm, soft, acidic water and are more sensitive to unstable aquarium conditions than many common beginner tetras. A mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water parameters is strongly recommended.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful / Schooling
Adult Size: Approximately 1.5–2 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons recommended
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 4.5–7.0
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 8–10 or more

Recommended Setup: A mature planted aquarium with plenty of open swimming space, gentle filtration, and stable water conditions is ideal. Cardinals particularly thrive in warm, soft water, and darker substrate, driftwood, floating plants, and subdued lighting can make their blue and red coloration stand out dramatically. Keep them with other peaceful community fish and feed quality micro pellets or finely sized flakes supplemented with foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and other appropriately sized frozen or live foods.

Please Note: Cardinal Tetras naturally vary in size, sex, and coloration. Juveniles and recently transported fish may initially appear pale, with stronger blue and red coloration developing after they become established. Male and female fish are selected at random, and a specific sex or ratio cannot be guaranteed. The fish you receive may not look exactly like the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.