Cardinal

1. Physical Characteristics

• Coloration: Cardinal Tetras are renowned for their striking colors, featuring a brilliant blue body with a bright red stripe running from the middle of the body to the base of the tail. Tank-raised specimens often exhibit even more vivid colors due to selective breeding.
• Size: They typically grow to about 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Cardinal Tetras can live for 5-8 years in captivity.

2. Natural Habitat and Distribution

• Origin: Native to the blackwater rivers of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, Colombia, and parts of Brazil. They inhabit areas with dense vegetation and slow-moving waters.
• Tank Environment: In captivity, they thrive in well-planted aquariums that mimic their natural habitat.

3. Behavior and Temperament

• Peaceful Schooling Fish: Cardinal Tetras are social fish that do best in groups of at least 6-10 individuals. They are active swimmers and will display fascinating behavior when kept in schools.
• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful, they can be timid and are best housed with other small, non-aggressive species to reduce stress.

4. Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for a small school of Cardinal Tetras. A larger tank (20 gallons or more) is preferable to provide ample swimming space and stability in water conditions.

  Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 73-81°F (23-27°C).

  • pH: 4.5-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral water).

  • Water Hardness: 1-12 dGH (very soft to moderately soft water).

  • Filtration and Aeration: They prefer well-oxygenated water, so a good filtration system is essential. Gentle water flow is ideal.

• Aquascaping: Provide open swimming areas along with dense planting using soft-leaved plants like Java moss, Anubias, and Amazon sword. Incorporating driftwood and leaf litter can create hiding spots and replicate their natural environment.

5. Diet

• Omnivorous: Cardinal Tetras are omnivores and require a varied diet.

  Diet Options:

  • High-quality flake or pellet food formulated for tropical fish.
  • Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Plant-based foods, including spirulina and algae wafers, to ensure balanced nutrition.

  Diet Variation: A diverse diet helps maintain their health and enhances their coloration.

6. Breeding

• Egg-Laying Species: Breeding Cardinal Tetras in captivity can be challenging but is possible. They are egg scatterers and will lay their eggs on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
• Mating Behavior: Males may display vibrant colors during breeding and can be seen chasing females.
• Hatching: Eggs usually hatch in 24-36 hours. Once the fry are free-swimming, they should be fed infusoria or specialized fry foods until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

7. Tank Mates

• Compatible Tank Mates: Cardinal Tetras are generally peaceful and can be housed with other similarly sized, non-aggressive species.

  Good tank mates include:

  • Other small tetras (such as Neon Tetras or Rummy Nose Tetras).
  • Rasboras, including Harlequin or Scissortail Rasboras.
  • Corydoras catfish or small loaches.

  Avoid Aggressive Fish: Larger or aggressive species should be avoided, as they may stress the Cardinal Tetras or compete for food.

8. Fun Facts

• Colorful Display: Their colors can become more vibrant when they are excited or during breeding, making them visually appealing in the aquarium.
• Active Swimmers: Cardinal Tetras are known for their lively swimming patterns, often darting around the tank and displaying natural schooling behavior.
• Sensitive to Water Conditions: They are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining stable parameters is crucial for their health.

9. Importance in Aquariums

• Visual Appeal: Their stunning coloration and active behavior make them a favorite in community tanks.

• Beginner-Friendly: Cardinal Tetras are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of setups, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.

  Key Care Tips:

  • Stable Water Conditions: Regular water changes and good filtration are crucial for their health and overall appearance.
  • Group Size: Keep them in schools of 6-10 or more to encourage natural behaviors and enhance their vibrant coloration.
  • Balanced Diet: A varied diet with both plant and protein-based foods will help them maintain their health and overall appearance.