Cardinal tetra care
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) grows to about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) and needs a tank of at least 60 liters (16 US gallons). Keep it at 23–29 °C (73–84 °F) with a pH of 4.6–7.2.
FreshwaterMediumPeacefulPrefers soft water
Adult size4.5 cm · 1.8 in
Smallest tank60 L · 16 gal
Temperature23–29 °C · 73–84 °F
pH4.6–7.2
GroupGroups of 6+
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle
DietOmnivore
Usually fine with
Neon tetraGuppyBetta (Siamese fighting fish)PlatyBronze corydorasZebra danioHarlequin rasboraBristlenose plecoCherry barbTiger barbSwordtailOtocinclus
Avoid with
Fancy goldfishParadise fishWhite cloud minnowConvict cichlidOscarJack DempseyDemasoni cichlidSeverumCommon goldfishKoiPea pufferBala shark
Track your tank with Guppi
Log water tests by tapping your kit’s colors, get water change reminders and check every tankmate before you buy.
Typical ranges from hobby references, checked by hand. Individual fish and local water vary.
Tetra cardenalTetra cardinalCardinalisRoter NeonCardinaleKardinal tetra