Origin: River Orinoco and River Negro in South America.
Size: This fish can reach a size of 1.25-2 inches (3-5 centimetres).
Colour: This fish is similar to the Neon tetra, and has the same bright blue streak along its body. Under this streak, the body of the Cardinal tetra will be red all the way to the nose, while the body of a Neon tetra is only red about halfway to the nose.
Temperament: The Cardinal tetra is a peaceful fish commonly kept in community aquariums.
Care: Your Cardinal tetra will prefer a planted aquarium. It is a schooling species and you should keep at least ten Cardinal tetras together. A single Cardinal tetra will become very shy and easily frightened.
Feeding: The cardinal tetra will happily accept flake foods, but you can also feed it some live food as occasional treats.
Water conditions: The pH should be between 4.6 and 6.2. The ideal water temperature is 73-81 degrees F (23-27 degrees C) or higher.
Breeding: Breeding Cardinal tetra in aquariums is difficult. You can try coaxing them into breeding by giving them live food and keep them in a densely planted aquarium. The plants should have fine leaves. A female Cardinal tetra can produce up to 500 eggs during one spawning. The fry is very sensitive and must be feed tiny food. The adults can eat eggs as well as fry.
