{"product_id":"cardinal-tetra","title":"Cardinal Tetra","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Cardinal Tetra\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cardinal Tetra is one of the most iconic and sought-after freshwater aquarium fish in the world. Famous for its brilliant electric blue stripe and vibrant crimson-red body, this peaceful schooling fish is native to the blackwater rivers of the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Its dazzling colours and calm temperament make it a favourite for planted aquariums and South American biotope displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften confused with the Neon Tetra, the Cardinal Tetra can be distinguished by its bright red stripe, which extends the full length of its body from the gill plate to the tail. Their colours become even more vibrant against dark substrates, lush aquatic plants, and subdued lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinal Tetras are highly social fish and should always be kept in schools of at least ten, although larger groups create an even more spectacular display. They thrive in mature aquariums with driftwood, leaf litter, gentle water flow, and excellent water quality. Their peaceful nature makes them ideal companions for Angelfish, Discus, Corydoras, Apistogramma, Rams, Pencilfish, Hatchetfish, and other peaceful South American species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet of premium micro pellets, quality tropical flakes, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods will help maintain their vivid colours and excellent health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant, hardy, and breathtaking in large schools, the Cardinal Tetra remains one of the finest choices for freshwater community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinal Tetra\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazon Basin (Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4–5 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e60 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–29°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.5–7.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1–8 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4–6 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted aquariums, blackwater aquariums, South American biotopes, and peaceful community tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinal Tetras have a vibrant red stripe that extends the entire length of the body, while Neon Tetras only have red colouring on the rear half. Cardinal Tetras also prefer warmer water, making them excellent companions for Discus and Angelfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Cardinal Tetras should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinal Tetras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least \u003cstrong\u003e10\u003c\/strong\u003e. Larger schools of \u003cstrong\u003e20 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e create an incredible natural display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Cardinal Tetras eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on premium micro pellets, tropical flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Cardinal Tetras live with Discus?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Cardinal Tetras are one of the best companions for Discus because they enjoy the same warm, soft, acidic water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Cardinal Tetras live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Adult Cherry Shrimp and Amano Shrimp are generally safe, although newly hatched shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in small schools\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCardinal Tetras become shy and stressed when kept in groups smaller than ten. Larger schools display better colour and more natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdding them to immature aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey perform best in established aquariums with stable water parameters and excellent filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular water changes and pristine water conditions are essential for maintaining vibrant colours and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding only flake food\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet including frozen and live foods promotes better colouration, stronger immune systems, and improved breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing them with aggressive fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose peaceful tank mates that won't intimidate or prey on these small schooling fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":48857011159179,"sku":null,"price":7.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":48857011191947,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/EZ2L-0mlYyXysB-U18j7G0R5b609vnW-Z1QagzRVxO-Rrcv-DngRatJQb-hGy5esBIlGzDC526Qg9LQxaRaPF-rOdNiH_ZiR-WmUaZBULOU0ZMazMIHfjbh8Tbkd5MjKRq4DKQm_Vblk_WoxxVzOp01VCt0pA7irN9iNUdJnQRO5f5uOKV68gGx.jpg?v=1786007485","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/cardinal-tetra","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}