“Cardinal Tetra — paracheirodon axelrodi See more Aquarium Fish Image Gallery.© Dorothy Hess
Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
One of the most popular of all tropical fish, the Cardinal Tetra grows to about 1.5 inches and must be kept in shoals. Tankmates must be peaceful and not too large. A water temperature of 72º to 82º Fahrenheit with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8 is good. The Cardinal Tetra does well on flake and freeze-dried foods.
Tetra Image Gallery
With its colorless fins and deep red body split by a bold blue stripe, the Cardinal Tetra makes quite a sight in an aquarium. Dark gravel and background help to emphasize the colors of this fish, and it shows its colors best in relatively soft, acidic water.
To learn more about freshwater aquariums, see:
- Aquariums
- Aquarium Basics
- How to Choose Aquarium Equipment
- How to Set Up an Aquarium
- How to Maintain an Aquarium
- How to Choose Aquarium Fish
- How to Care for Aquarium Fish
- Freshwater Aquarium Fish