Species Profile
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Tetraspeaceful
Adult size
2″
Minimum tank
20 gal
Temperature
73–81°F
pH
4.5–7
Schooling
Group of 6+
Water level
mid
Diet
Flake, micro pellets
Notes
Vibrant Amazon blackwater tetra, brighter than the neon and with red running the full length of the body. Wants soft, warm (78-82°F), slightly acidic water. Keep 8+ for a tight school; fewer and the color fades.
Compatible Tankmates
Best tank mates for Cardinal Tetra
Every species below passes the compatibility engine when paired with Cardinal Tetrain a suitably sized tank. Verdicts come from the same rules the builder uses — click a card to see that species' own care profile and its tank mates in turn.
Neon Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Rummynose Tetra
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Harlequin Rasbora
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Zebra Danio
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Fancy Guppy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Endler's Livebearer
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Platy
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Swordtail
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Male Betta
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Dwarf Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Honey Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Pearl Gourami
ExcellentPeaceful pairing — temperament, water parameters, and size all line up.
Photo: User:Lerdsuwa / Wikimedia Commons · Source · CC-BY-SA-3.0