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Category:
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Description:
Origin:
Max Size:
Minimum Tank Size:
Swim Area:
Life Span:
Temperature Range (F):
pH:
Hardness (dH):
Diet:
Additional Diet Information:
Gender Difference:
Differences between male and female:
Breeding:
Temperament/Social Behavior:
Common Diseases:
Availability:
Photos
Characins
Common Name:
Cardinal tetra
Scientific Name:
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Description:
The cardinal tetra has the striking irridescent blue line characteristic of the Paracheirondon species laterally bisecting the fish, with the body below this line being vivid red in color, hence the name 'cardinal tetra'. The cardinal tetra's appearance is similar to that of the closely related neon tetra, with which it is often confused; the neon's red coloration extends only about halfway to the nose, and the neon's blue stripe is a less vibrant blue. The cardinal tetra is very popular aquarium fish but is less widespread than the neon tetra because until recently it was difficult to breed in captivity. The tetras are a schooling fish and look great in groups of 10 or more.
Origin:
South America
Max Size:
2 inches
Minimum Tank Size:
10 gallons
Swim Area:
Middle and Top
Life Span:
1 year in nature; several years possible in captivity
Temperature Range (F):
73 - 80F
pH:
5.5 - 7.0
Hardness (dH):
2 - 6 dH
Diet:
Omnivore
Additional Diet Information:
Flake food
Gender Difference:
Monomorphic
Differences between male and female:
Breeding:
Substrate Spawner
The can be difficult to breed in home aquarium. They are egglayers and the adult fish must be removed after dropping the eggs.
Temperament/Social Behavior:
Peaceful; or, Gregarious; or, Tolerant
Common Diseases:
Availability:
Easily Obtained
Photos