Cardinal Tetra
Moderatefreshwater
Overview
The cardinal tetra is a species of freshwater fish of the family Acestrorhamphidae, the American characins, of order Characiformes.
Water Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 23–28°C (73–82°F) |
| pH | 4.5–7.0 |
| Adult Size | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Min Tank | 20 gallons |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years |
Tank Setup
Feeding
Omnivore — micro pellets, daphnia, frozen bloodworms
Compatibility
Breeding
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons — licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Taxonomic data: *Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz, 1956) * — GBIF (2026). Wikipedia summary: Cardinal Tetra — CC BY-SA 4.0.
Care parameters cross-referenced with Seriously Fish.
Quick facts & gear
- Min tank size
- 20 gallons
- Temperature
- 23–28°C (73–82°F)
- pH range
- 4.5–7.0
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Origin
- Member of family Characidae, order Characiformes. See species profile for distribution details.
- Diet
- Omnivore —micro pelletsdaphniafrozen bloodworms