Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi) are stunning and popular freshwater aquarium fish known for their vibrant blue and red coloration. Here’s a comprehensive care guide for Cardinal Tetras:

Aquarium Setup:

1. Tank Size:
   • A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school of Cardinal Tetras.
   • Provide additional space for larger groups or if keeping them with other fish species.
2. Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
   • pH: 5.5-7.0
   • Hardness: Very soft to slightly hard water (2-10 dGH)
3. Filtration:
   • Use a quality filtration system to maintain water quality and provide adequate oxygenation.
   • Cardinal Tetras thrive in well-filtered, gently flowing water.
4. Substrate and Decor:
   • Use dark substrate to bring out the colors of the fish.
   • Provide ample hiding spots with plants, driftwood, and decorations.
   • Create shaded areas using floating plants or tall plants to mimic their natural habitat.

Feeding:

1. Diet:
   • Cardinal Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods.
   • Offer a balanced diet consisting of high-quality flake or pellet food supplemented with occasional live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia.
   • Feed them small portions multiple times a day.

Health and Maintenance:

1. Tank Maintenance:
   • Perform regular water changes (20-25% weekly) to maintain water quality and remove waste.
   • Clean the substrate and filter regularly to prevent the buildup of debris.
2. Monitoring Health:
   • Watch for signs of illness such as lethargy, loss of appetite, abnormal swimming behavior, or visible signs of disease.
   • Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent the spread of diseases.

Behavior and Compatibility:

1. Temperament:
   • Cardinal Tetras are peaceful and social fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals.
   • They are compatible with a wide range of peaceful community fish species.
2. Tankmates:
   • Compatible tankmates include other small, peaceful fish species such as tetras, rasboras, danios, guppies, and Corydoras catfish.
   • Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Breeding:

1. Breeding Conditions:
   • Cardinal Tetras are challenging to breed in a home aquarium.
   • Provide soft, acidic water with a pH of around 5.5-6.5 and slightly warmer temperatures (78-82°F or 26-28°C).
   • Introduce spawning mops or fine-leaved plants as breeding sites.
2. Fry Care:
   • Separate the adult fish from the breeding tank after spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
   • The fry are very tiny and require infusoria or commercially available fry food until they are large enough to accept newly hatched brine shrimp or micro worms.

Common Issues:

1. Sensitive to Water Parameters:
   • Cardinal Tetras are sensitive to changes in water quality and parameters, especially pH and temperature fluctuations.
   • Maintain stable water conditions to ensure their health and well-being.
2. Stress from Bright Lights:
   • Avoid overly bright lighting, as Cardinal Tetras prefer dimly lit environments.
   • Use floating plants or provide shaded areas to diffuse light and create a more natural habitat.

By following these care guidelines, you can provide a suitable environment for Cardinal Tetras, allowing them to thrive and display their vibrant colors in the aquarium.