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Cardinal Tetra

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Latin Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
Common Name: Cardinal Tetra
Origin: Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America
Size: 1¼ inch (3cm)
Sexual Differences: females have a fuller body
Suggested Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallon +
Water Chemistry: Soft acidic in the wild, very adaptable to local water conditions
Preferred Temperature: 71-80°F (22-27°C)
Feeding: Easy - flakes, pellets, frozen, small live foods
Compatibility: Not aggressive
Availability: Common
Tankmates: Any small non-aggressive fish

 
One of the most beautiful freshwater fishes, the Cardinal Tetra does best in a school of it's own species. They prefer acidic water, but will live in just about any water that is clean and pure.
 
Being difficult to spawn and raise in captivity the Cardinal Tetra is more expensive than its slightly smaller cousin the Neon Tetra. The Cardinal is also a lot more sensitive to pollution.
 
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