{"product_id":"cardinal-tetra-paracheirodon-axelrodi","title":"Cardinal Tetra - Paracheirodon axelrodi","description":"\u003ch1 data-section-id=\"h0v1ds\" data-start=\"539\" data-end=\"582\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003eCardinal Tetra – \u003cem data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"582\"\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"1112\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"619\"\u003eCardinal Tetra\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the most iconic freshwater aquarium fish, famous for its intense electric-blue stripe and full-length crimson red lower body. \u003cstrong data-start=\"756\" data-end=\"782\"\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/strong\u003e is a peaceful shoaling species that looks spectacular in mature planted aquariums, especially with dark décor, shaded areas and a large group. It is slightly warmer-water and more blackwater-orientated than the standard Neon Tetra, so it should be kept in stable, mature conditions rather than added to new or unstable aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"18rclky\" data-start=\"1114\" data-end=\"1136\"\u003eKey Identification:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1339\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1137\" data-end=\"1153\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetra\u003cbr data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1187\"\u003eOther Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red Neon Tetra, Cardinal Neon, Scarlet Neon Tetra\u003cbr data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1240\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1240\" data-end=\"1260\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"1261\" data-end=\"1285\"\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1285\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003eFish Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tetra\u003cbr data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1311\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1311\" data-end=\"1326\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"13oemwk\" data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1368\"\u003eNatural Range \u0026amp; Habitat:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1642\"\u003eCardinal Tetras are native to northern South America, especially the \u003cstrong data-start=\"1438\" data-end=\"1451\"\u003eRio Negro\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1456\" data-end=\"1467\"\u003eOrinoco\u003c\/strong\u003e tributary systems. FishBase notes that they occur mainly in shoals in the middle water layers and feed on worms and small crustaceans. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1996\"\u003eTheir natural habitats are typically slow-moving, shaded, soft-water streams and flooded forest margins with roots, leaf litter and submerged vegetation. Tropical Fish Hobbyist reports wild habitat readings with pH below 6.5, sometimes down to 5.5, and temperatures around \u003cstrong data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"1928\"\u003e23–26°C\u003c\/strong\u003e in natural cardinal habitats. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1k4fj4a\" data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2025\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Adult Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2026\" data-end=\"2331\"\u003eCardinal Tetras have a slim, streamlined body with a brilliant blue-green lateral stripe above a vivid red stripe that extends from the head area to the tail. This full-length red stripe is the easiest way to separate them from Neon Tetras, where the red is mostly restricted to the rear half of the body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2552\"\u003eAdults usually reach around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2371\"\u003e3–4 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, with females becoming slightly fuller-bodied when mature. In settled groups, colour is strongest under subdued lighting, against dark substrate and in clean, low-stress aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"zee6g1\" data-start=\"2554\" data-end=\"2578\"\u003eAquarium Suitability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2579\" data-end=\"2969\"\u003eThis species is ideal for mature planted aquariums, blackwater-style aquascapes and peaceful soft-water communities. Cardinals look especially impressive in groups among fine plants, floating plants, bogwood, botanicals and open swimming lanes. They are not suitable for aggressive communities, large predatory fish, boisterous fin-nippers or immature aquariums with unstable water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1jzuw08\" data-start=\"2971\" data-end=\"3000\"\u003eRecommended Aquarium Size:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3001\" data-end=\"3263\"\u003eA practical minimum is \u003cstrong data-start=\"3024\" data-end=\"3055\"\u003e60 litres for a small group\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"3062\" data-end=\"3083\"\u003e90 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred for a larger shoal and better stability. FishBase recommends group keeping and gives a minimum aquarium length of around \u003cstrong data-start=\"3215\" data-end=\"3224\"\u003e60 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"pl4gsq\" data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3285\"\u003eWater Conditions:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3799\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3302\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"3310\" data-end=\"3313\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3320\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.5–7.0\u003cbr data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3331\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3331\" data-end=\"3344\"\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft preferred; very hard water is not ideal\u003cbr data-start=\"3389\" data-end=\"3392\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3392\" data-end=\"3413\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras prefer warm, soft, acidic to neutral water, particularly if wild-caught. Seriously Fish gives a broad pH range of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3544\" data-end=\"3555\"\u003e3.5–7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e, while noting that wild specimens do best in more acidic conditions. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Captive-bred or well-acclimated fish can be more adaptable, but sudden changes, high nitrate and immature tanks should still be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"3rlnm7\" data-start=\"3801\" data-end=\"3829\"\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Tank Mates:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3830\" data-end=\"3869\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3830\" data-end=\"3852\"\u003eAquarium Category:\u003c\/strong\u003e Community Fish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3871\" data-end=\"4221\"\u003eCardinal Tetras are peaceful shoaling fish and should be kept with calm tank mates that enjoy similar warm, stable conditions. Suitable companions include small peaceful tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma, Cory-type catfish that tolerate warmer water, Otocinclus, small plecs and gentle rasboras in compatible water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4223\" data-end=\"4488\"\u003eAvoid angelfish large enough to eat them, predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, large gouramis, fin-nipping barbs and very boisterous tank mates. Keep in a group of \u003cstrong data-start=\"4387\" data-end=\"4401\"\u003eat least 8\u003c\/strong\u003e, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4425\"\u003e10–20 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e preferred for the best colour, confidence and shoaling effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1ah6yd9\" data-start=\"4490\" data-end=\"4501\"\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4942\"\u003eCardinal Tetras are small omnivorous micro-predators. Offer fine flakes, micro pellets and small granules as the staple diet. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and finely chopped bloodworm. Research on wild Cardinal Tetra diet describes them feeding heavily on tiny invertebrates associated with submerged litter, roots and aquatic plants. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"2vr35r\" data-start=\"4944\" data-end=\"4973\"\u003eBehaviour in the Aquarium:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4974\" data-end=\"5300\"\u003eThis species occupies the middle water levels and moves in a loose shoal. In a calm aquarium, the group will spread through open areas and plants, tightening together when startled. Cardinals show their strongest colour in larger groups, under subdued lighting and when they are not being chased or outcompeted by faster fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"gyou4p\" data-start=\"5302\" data-end=\"5316\"\u003eCare Notes:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5317\" data-end=\"5782\"\u003eAdd Cardinal Tetras only to a fully cycled, mature aquarium. Acclimate carefully, especially if moving them into softer or more acidic water. Keep nitrate low, avoid sudden changes and provide a secure lid, as small tetras can jump when startled. FishBase notes that captive breeding is possible but difficult, and many specimens in the aquarium trade have traditionally been wild-caught from Rio Negro and Orinoco tributaries. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"iot6fl\" data-start=\"5784\" data-end=\"5803\"\u003eRecommended For:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5804\" data-end=\"5828\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7763y\" data-start=\"5830\" data-end=\"5846\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5847\" data-end=\"5906\"\u003eCommon \/ Wild-caught and captive-bred depending on supplier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1x39ni3\" data-start=\"5908\" data-end=\"5928\"\u003eImage Disclaimer:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5929\" data-end=\"6124\"\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern and markings can occur between individual fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Warehouse Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":43682938683466,"sku":"AG-102965","price":2.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":43682938716234,"sku":"AG-100721","price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43682938749002,"sku":"AG-102966","price":3.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0623\/1877\/2298\/files\/CardinalTetra-Paracheirodonaxelrodi_1.jpg?v=1780997026","url":"https:\/\/warehouse-aquatics.co.uk\/products\/cardinal-tetra-paracheirodon-axelrodi","provider":"Warehouse Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}