Cardinal Tetra Fish Care & Tank Set up Guide

Cardinal Tetra Fish you see in the video are captive bred; they can tolerate a wider range of pH level than the wild caught ones. They are homed in a 20 gallon aquarium, sharing it with Dwarf Honey Gourami, Guppy Fish & Thread-fin Rainbow fish.
Scientific name of Cardinal Tetra – Paracheirodon axelrodi
Natural Habitat of Cardinal Tetras are native to the upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America. They inhabit forest streams and minor tributaries containing relatively slowly-moving water & vegetation over hanging these waters.The water is typically acidic and stained brownish due to the presence of humic substances released by decomposing organic matter.
Cardinal Tetras can grow up to 1.3 inches in length & live up to 5 years in an aquarium.

How to differentiate between male & female cardinal tetra ?
Female Cardinal Tetra are round bodied & Male Cardinal Tetra are appear leaner.

How to differentiate between Cardinal Tetra & Neon Tetra?
The Neon’s Tetra’s red coloration extends only about halfway to the nose, and the Neon’s Tetra blue stripe is a less vibrant blue. The red coloration & Blue Stripe in Cardinal Tetra are fuller covering entire body excluding fins.

How to care for Cardinal Tetra in an aquarium?
Tank size for Cardinal Tetra is 15 gallon for 6 to 8 & a bigger tank for more.
The aquarium should be a planted tank with medium to low water movement. I use Hang On Back Filter.

Water Parameters for Cardinal Tetra?
Temperature range – 23 to 29 °C
pH range – 3.5 to 7.5 although wild specimens do best in more acidic conditions.
Water Hardness – 18 to 215 ppm

What are suitable tank mates for Cardinal Tetra?
You can keep fish with similar temperament & size. I’ve kept Cardinal Tetra with Neon Tetra, Rummy nose Tetra, Cherry Barbs, Thread-fin Rainbow fish, Guppy Fish, Platy Fish, Ram cichlids, Juvenile Angelfish, Corydoras, Bristle nose pleco, Siamese algae eater etc. Ensure you always keep Cardinal Tetra in a group of at least 6 or more.

What to feed Cardinal Tetra?
Cardinal Tetras are Omnivores. In the the wild this small predatory fish feeds on smaller organisms. In my aquarium I feed them Tetra Bits as staple food along with krill based fish food, Spirulina pellets, micro worms & mosquito larvae.

How to breed Cardinal Tetra in aquarium?
I’ve not bred Cardinal Tetra, however I have bred Neon Tetras in aquarium. You would require a small breeding tank, acidic water condition with lower pH level some floating plants & a mess at the bottom for eggs to fall into. You introduce about 6 to 8 adult Cardinal Tetra into the tank & ensure the lights are dim. Once eggs are laid remove the adults. Eggs hatch in 24 to 48 hours.

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Music – Hulu Ukulele by Chris Haugen from Youtube Audio Library

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