Paracheirodon axelrodi
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Paracheirodon axelrodi Care Guide
(Cardinal Tetra)
The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is one of the most iconic and popular aquarium fish due to its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature. This small, colorful species is native to the Amazon River Basin and can be found in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation in South America. The Cardinal Tetra is a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists, thriving in a well-maintained aquarium with compatible tankmates.
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size:
- A minimum of 10 gallons is suitable for a small school of 6-10 fish. A larger tank, like a 20-gallon or more, is ideal if you plan to keep a larger school or multiple species.
- Tank Setup:
- Substrate: A fine-gravel or sand substrate is preferred for this species. The substrate should be smooth to avoid injury to the fish.
- Decor:
- Cardinal tetras enjoy dense plant growth and need hiding spots. Use live plants like Java fern, Amazon swords, or Anubias to create a natural environment.
- Driftwood and rocks can also provide cover and encourage natural behaviors.
- Plants: Floating plants like duckweed or water lettuce are also beneficial, as they provide shade and help reduce light intensity.
- Lighting: Moderate lighting is best to highlight the neon colors of the tetras while mimicking their natural environment, which is typically dimmer due to forest canopy coverage.
- Water Flow:
- Cardinal tetras prefer gentle water flow. They are from slow-moving rivers and streams, so a filter with a soft current or sponge filter is ideal for maintaining calm waters.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 73–82°F (23–28°C)
- pH: 4.5–7.0 (acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: 1–10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm.
- Water Changes: Regular water changes are essential for maintaining water quality. Aim for 25-30% weekly to keep the tank in optimal condition.
Diet
Cardinal tetras are omnivores, and their diet should consist of a variety of foods:
- Staple Foods:
- High-quality flakes or pellets formulated for small fish.
- Vegetable Matter:
- Provide occasional plant-based foods such as blanched zucchini, spinach, or spirulina.
- Protein:
- Supplement with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.
- Feeding Schedule:
- Feed 2-3 times a day, offering only what the fish can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and water contamination.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Temperament:
- Cardinal tetras are peaceful, schooling fish that thrive in groups of at least 6-10 individuals. They can become stressed if kept alone or in small numbers, so it’s essential to keep them in a school.
- Activity:
- These fish are active but non-aggressive. They tend to swim in the middle and upper layers of the tank, occasionally darting into plants or driftwood for cover.
- Tankmates:
- Cardinal tetras are excellent community fish and can be kept with other peaceful species such as neon tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, and small peaceful livebearers like guppies or mollies.
- Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish, such as cichlids or predatory species that may see the tetras as prey.
Breeding
Breeding Cardinal Tetras in captivity is challenging but possible under the right conditions:
- Breeding Tank:
- Set up a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 4.5–6.5) and a temperature of around 80°F (27°C). The water should be very clean, so a sponge filter is ideal to prevent strong currents.
- Conditioning:
- Feed the breeding pair a high-protein diet consisting of live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms for several weeks to condition them.
- Spawning Behavior:
- Cardinal tetras are egg scatterers. The female will lay eggs, which the male fertilizes. The eggs will stick to plants or the substrate.
- Fry Care:
- The eggs will hatch in 24-36 hours, and the fry will remain attached to the plants or substrate. Feed the fry infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to accept finely crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.
- Remove the adults after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs or fry.
Common Challenges
- Stress:
- Cardinal tetras are highly sensitive to poor water conditions, sudden temperature changes, and overcrowding. Always maintain stable water conditions and avoid abrupt changes.
- Diseases:
- Cardinal tetras are prone to Neon Tetra Disease, which can cause color fading, body deformities, and death. To prevent the disease, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your main tank and maintain excellent water quality.
- Aggression:
- If not kept in groups, Cardinal Tetras can become stressed and may exhibit signs of aggression toward each other or other species. Always keep them in schools to minimize stress and aggression.
- Overfeeding:
- Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and health issues for your tetras. Feed them small amounts that they can consume in a few minutes.
Interesting Facts
- The Cardinal Tetra is famous for its vibrant red and blue coloration, which is even more striking when they swim in schools. The red stripe extends from the middle of their body to their tail, while the blue coloration runs from the head to the base of the tail.
- Unlike Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi), which have a blue stripe that ends just past their dorsal fin, the red coloration on the Cardinal Tetra extends the full length of the body, giving it a more intense look.
- Cardinal tetras are often kept with other species that complement their peaceful nature and color, making them a highlight of any community tank.
Care Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 10 gallons minimum (larger for schools) |
| Water Parameters | pH 4.5–7.0, 73–82°F, soft to moderately hard water |
| Diet | Omnivorous: high-quality flakes, live foods, vegetables |
| Temperament | Peaceful, schooling |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years |
The Paracheirodon axelrodi (Cardinal Tetra) is a beautiful and peaceful fish, perfect for a well-maintained community tank. With proper care, including a balanced diet, stable water conditions, and a peaceful environment, these tetras can live for many years, adding vibrant color and activity to your aquarium.