Cardinal Tetra
cheirodon axelrodi

It belongs to the family Characidae

For more information on Characins click here.

Cost: $4-15

Origin:
Tributaries of the Rio Negro and the Orinoco

Description:
Long and thin. Smaller fish, getting to only about 1 ½ inches (4cm)

Color:
Magnificent red lateral stripe that begins at the front of the snout and reaching back to the base of the tail fin, extends over the belly and throat. Luminous blue lateral stripe. And on the top by the dorsal fin, just a sliver of gray.

Sexual distinction:

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The female will have a fuller looking belly and will be slightly bigger than the male.

Tank conditions:
Temperature 73-75 degrees Fahrenheit (23-24 Celsius). A Ph rating of 5.5-6.5 would be best when accompanied with medium lighting, plenty of free space for swimming, a background picture of mixed water plants that are light and dark and a black tank bottom.

Food:
Omnivorous, small live food such as fruit flies.

Behavior:
Very lively and active schooling fish.

Breeding:
Difficult to breed in captivity, but the temperature should be raised to 79-82 degrees Fahrenheit (26-28 Celsius). The adults should be removed after the eggs have been laid. Water should be slightly acidic for the breeding period.

Compatibility:
Gets along well in a community tank. Can be mixed with other species of similar habits.