Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Description

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Vibrant, peaceful and world-renowned, the Cardinal Tetra is one of the most spectacular freshwater schooling fish available. Its brilliant electric blue stripe and full-length crimson red body create an unforgettable display, making it a favourite among aquascapers and community aquarium enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
  • Common name: Cardinal Tetra
  • Current size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 4–5 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
  • Minimum school: 10+ recommended

Is this for you?

āœ”ļø Perfect if:

  • You want one of the most colourful freshwater schooling fish available.
  • You're creating a planted or aquascaped aquarium.
  • You enjoy peaceful South American community fish.
  • You have a mature aquarium with stable water conditions.

āŒ Avoid if:

  • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
  • You keep large or aggressive predatory fish.
  • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
  • You prefer larger feature fish instead of schooling species.

Why choose Cardinal Tetras?

The Cardinal Tetra is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Its vivid electric blue stripe is perfectly complemented by a brilliant crimson red band that extends almost the entire length of the body, creating far more colour coverage than the closely related Neon Tetra.

Native to the blackwater rivers of the Amazon Basin, Cardinal Tetras thrive in mature planted aquariums with soft, clean water, driftwood and subdued lighting. Their colours become increasingly vibrant against dark substrates and lush green aquatic plants.

When kept in large schools, Cardinal Tetras move with remarkable synchrony, producing breathtaking flashes of blue and red throughout the aquarium. Their calm temperament makes them ideal companions for a wide variety of peaceful community species.

Benefits

  • Iconic full-length red and electric blue colouration
  • Outstanding schooling behaviour
  • Perfect for planted and aquascaped aquariums
  • Peaceful community fish
  • Excellent contrast against dark aquascapes
  • A favourite among aquascapers worldwide

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • pH: 4.5–7.0
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
  • Water: Soft, clean and stable with gentle filtration
  • Setup: Mature planted aquarium with driftwood, floating plants and open swimming areas
  • Always keep in schools of at least 10 fish to encourage natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.
  • Cardinal Tetras perform best in established aquariums with consistently stable water parameters and regular maintenance.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Corydoras pygmaeus
  • Glowlight Tetras
  • Honey Gouramis
  • Otocinclus
  • Cherry Shrimp
NTA Insight:
Cardinal Tetras are often considered the jewel of the freshwater aquarium. In heavily planted aquariums with dark substrates and subdued lighting, their brilliant blue and full-length red stripes appear almost luminous. Schools of 20 or more create one of the most breathtaking natural displays available in the aquarium hobby and are a signature feature of many world-class aquascapes.

FAQ

How many Cardinal Tetras should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least 10 fish together. Larger schools display stronger natural schooling behaviour, greater confidence and create a spectacular visual display.

What's the difference between Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras?

The easiest way to tell them apart is the red stripe. Cardinal Tetras have a red stripe that extends almost the full length of the body, while Neon Tetras only have red from the middle of the body to the tail. Cardinal Tetras also generally prefer slightly warmer, softer water.

Can Cardinal Tetras live in planted aquariums?

Absolutely. They thrive in mature planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and stable water conditions that closely resemble their natural Amazon habitat.

Are Cardinal Tetras suitable for beginners?

Yes. They are suitable for beginners provided they are introduced into a mature, fully cycled aquarium with excellent water quality and stable conditions.

How long do Cardinal Tetras live?

With proper care, stable water conditions and a varied diet, Cardinal Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

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$6.00


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    Description

    Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

    Vibrant, peaceful and world-renowned, the Cardinal Tetra is one of the most spectacular freshwater schooling fish available. Its brilliant electric blue stripe and full-length crimson red body create an unforgettable display, making it a favourite among aquascapers and community aquarium enthusiasts alike.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
    • Common name: Cardinal Tetra
    • Current size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 4–5 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
    • Minimum school: 10+ recommended

    Is this for you?

    āœ”ļø Perfect if:

    • You want one of the most colourful freshwater schooling fish available.
    • You're creating a planted or aquascaped aquarium.
    • You enjoy peaceful South American community fish.
    • You have a mature aquarium with stable water conditions.

    āŒ Avoid if:

    • You only intend to keep one or two fish.
    • You keep large or aggressive predatory fish.
    • Your aquarium is newly established or still cycling.
    • You prefer larger feature fish instead of schooling species.

    Why choose Cardinal Tetras?

    The Cardinal Tetra is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Its vivid electric blue stripe is perfectly complemented by a brilliant crimson red band that extends almost the entire length of the body, creating far more colour coverage than the closely related Neon Tetra.

    Native to the blackwater rivers of the Amazon Basin, Cardinal Tetras thrive in mature planted aquariums with soft, clean water, driftwood and subdued lighting. Their colours become increasingly vibrant against dark substrates and lush green aquatic plants.

    When kept in large schools, Cardinal Tetras move with remarkable synchrony, producing breathtaking flashes of blue and red throughout the aquarium. Their calm temperament makes them ideal companions for a wide variety of peaceful community species.

    Benefits

    • Iconic full-length red and electric blue colouration
    • Outstanding schooling behaviour
    • Perfect for planted and aquascaped aquariums
    • Peaceful community fish
    • Excellent contrast against dark aquascapes
    • A favourite among aquascapers worldwide

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 24–28°C
    • pH: 4.5–7.0
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, frozen foods and live foods
    • Water: Soft, clean and stable with gentle filtration
    • Setup: Mature planted aquarium with driftwood, floating plants and open swimming areas
    • Always keep in schools of at least 10 fish to encourage natural schooling behaviour and reduce stress.
    • Cardinal Tetras perform best in established aquariums with consistently stable water parameters and regular maintenance.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Corydoras pygmaeus
    • Glowlight Tetras
    • Honey Gouramis
    • Otocinclus
    • Cherry Shrimp
    NTA Insight:
    Cardinal Tetras are often considered the jewel of the freshwater aquarium. In heavily planted aquariums with dark substrates and subdued lighting, their brilliant blue and full-length red stripes appear almost luminous. Schools of 20 or more create one of the most breathtaking natural displays available in the aquarium hobby and are a signature feature of many world-class aquascapes.

    FAQ

    How many Cardinal Tetras should I keep?

    We recommend keeping at least 10 fish together. Larger schools display stronger natural schooling behaviour, greater confidence and create a spectacular visual display.

    What's the difference between Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras?

    The easiest way to tell them apart is the red stripe. Cardinal Tetras have a red stripe that extends almost the full length of the body, while Neon Tetras only have red from the middle of the body to the tail. Cardinal Tetras also generally prefer slightly warmer, softer water.

    Can Cardinal Tetras live in planted aquariums?

    Absolutely. They thrive in mature planted aquariums with driftwood, subdued lighting and stable water conditions that closely resemble their natural Amazon habitat.

    Are Cardinal Tetras suitable for beginners?

    Yes. They are suitable for beginners provided they are introduced into a mature, fully cycled aquarium with excellent water quality and stable conditions.

    How long do Cardinal Tetras live?

    With proper care, stable water conditions and a varied diet, Cardinal Tetras commonly live between 5 and 8 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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