{"product_id":"cardinal-tetras-paracheirodon-axelrodi","title":"Cardinal Tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi)","description":"\u003cbody\u003e\n\n\n  \n\u003cmeta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0\"\u003e\n  \u003ctitle\u003eCardinal Tetra - Superior Shrimp and Aquatics\u003c\/title\u003e\n  \u003clink href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@400;600;700\u0026amp;family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500\u0026amp;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\"\u003e\n  \u003cstyle\u003e\n\n    .ssa-pd *, .ssa-pd *::before, .ssa-pd *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\n    @keyframes fadeUp { from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(16px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); } }\n    .ssa-pd { font-family: 'DM Sans', sans-serif !important; color: #1e1a1a !important; background: #fff !important; line-height: 1.75 !important; }\n    .ssa-pd .hero { background: linear-gradient(150deg, #111111 0%, #2a0000 60%, #F40909 100%) !important; padding: 3.5rem 3rem 2.8rem !important; 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}\n  \n  \u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"ssa-pd\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"hero\"\u003e\n    \u003cstyle\u003e.ssa-pd .hero::before{content:\"\u0026#128032;\";}\u003c\/style\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"hero-tag\"\u003eFreshwater Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch1\u003eCardinal Tetra\u003c\/h1\u003e\n    \u003cp class=\"hero-sub\"\u003eThe more vivid, full-length cousin of the Neon Tetra -- the blue stripe and red underside run the entire length of the body, producing a more dramatic and more complete colour display in every individual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"feature-pills\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Full-Length Blue \u0026amp; Red Stripe\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Paracheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Peaceful Schooling Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e pH 4.5–7.0\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Soft Acidic Water\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan class=\"fpill\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dot\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Caridina Compatible\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"body-wrap\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"prose\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCardinal Tetras\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/em\u003e) are closely related to the Neon Tetra but display a more complete and more vivid colour pattern -- the iridescent blue stripe runs the full length of the body from head to tail, and the vivid red underside covers the entire lower half of the fish rather than only the rear portion as in Neon Tetras. The result is a bolder, more saturated, and more symmetrical colour display that many hobbyists consider superior to the Neon Tetra for planted tank display. Native to the blackwater tributaries of the Rio Negro and Orinoco in South America, Cardinal Tetras prefer soft, acidic water that aligns closely with Caridina shrimp parameters, making them one of the most natural fish companions for a Caridina planted tank. They are peaceful, schooling fish requiring groups of 10 or more, and their colour is most vivid in soft, warm, tannin-stained water with subdued lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"stat-row\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e4.5–7.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003epH\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e1–8\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eGH (dGH)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e73–81°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv class=\"stat-card\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"stat-value\"\u003e2 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"stat-label\"\u003eMax Size\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Schooling\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eFull-Length Stripe and the Cardinal Advantage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe blue stripe and red underside run the full length of the body -- the key distinction from the Neon Tetra.\u003c\/strong\u003e In a Neon Tetra the red colouration begins at the middle of the body and covers only the rear half. In the Cardinal Tetra the vivid red extends from the chin to the base of the tail, covering the entire lower half of the fish. The blue iridescent stripe similarly runs the complete length from the eye to the tail. This gives every individual a more complete and more dramatic colour display -- the full-body coverage means the fish reads as vivid at any angle rather than only from the rear.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour is most vivid in soft acidic water with tannins and subdued lighting.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras originate from blackwater environments stained with tannins from decaying leaf litter. In water that replicates these conditions -- soft, acidic, warm, with some tannin presence from \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/botanicals-parent\" title=\"Aquarium botanicals | leaves, pods \u0026amp; natural decor – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Aquarium botanicals | leaves, pods \u0026amp; natural decor – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eAlmond Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e or driftwood -- the iridescent blue stripe achieves its greatest intensity and the red underside its deepest saturation. In bright, hard, alkaline water the colour fades noticeably and the fish show more stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool of 10 minimum, 15 or more strongly recommended.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras are obligate schooling fish and show colour loss, hiding, and stress in small groups. In a school of 15 or more they swim in tight formation and the collective shimmer of blue and red moving through planted greenery is one of the most impressive displays achievable in a freshwater aquarium. Larger schools also produce tighter, more synchronised schooling behaviour that adds visual dynamism the fish cannot produce alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlightly larger and somewhat more temperature-sensitive than Neon Tetras.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras reach approximately 2 inches at maturity, slightly larger than Neon Tetras. They prefer warmer water at 76 to 81°F and are less tolerant of the cooler end of the temperature range than Neon Tetras. They do not thrive at the cool temperatures preferred by White Cloud Mountain Minnows or Peppered Cories.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cspan class=\"section-label\"\u003eShrimp Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003ch2\u003eNatural Partner for Caridina Tanks\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"bullet-list\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParameter overlap with Caridina shrimp is near-perfect -- one of the best fish pairings for a Caridina planted tank.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras prefer pH 4.5 to 7.0 and very soft water, which aligns closely with the Caridina parameter range of pH 5.8 to 6.8 and GH 4 to 6. A well-established Caridina tank running RO water with active substrate and a temperature of 74 to 78°F is simultaneously close to ideal for a school of Cardinal Tetras. No parameter compromise is required between the two species.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp are safe -- shrimplets are at moderate risk.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras are mid-water to upper-water swimmers and are not aggressive substrate hunters. Adult shrimp at full size are too large to be targeted. Shrimplets in their first week are small enough to be consumed if encountered in open water. Dense planting with \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/aquatic-plants-parent\" title=\"Aquatic plants for freshwater tanks | vibrant \u0026amp; healthy ecosystems – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Aquatic plants for freshwater tanks | vibrant \u0026amp; healthy ecosystems – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eJava Moss\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/aquatic-plants-parent\" title=\"Aquatic plants for freshwater tanks | vibrant \u0026amp; healthy ecosystems – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Aquatic plants for freshwater tanks | vibrant \u0026amp; healthy ecosystems – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eSubwassertang\u003c\/a\u003e, and fine-leaved plants gives shrimplets the cover needed to survive to adulthood in a mixed tank.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe visual combination of Cardinal Tetras and Crystal Red or Crystal Black Shrimp is one of the most striking in the hobby.\u003c\/strong\u003e The vivid blue-and-red of the Cardinals moving through the mid-water above a colony of patterned CRS or CBS on dark substrate, in tannin-stained water with green planting, is a complete and intentional display that each species contributes to equally. The colour relationships between the species -- the red of the fish echoing the red of the CRS, the blue stripe counterpointing the white banding -- read as genuinely complementary.\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"bl-item\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot ideal for hard-water Neocaridina setups at pH above 7.2.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cardinal Tetras can survive in neutral water but their colour fades and lifespan shortens in hard or alkaline conditions. For standard hard-water Neocaridina tanks, Neon Tetras or Celestial Pearl Danios are better-suited alternatives.\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"tip-label\"\u003eKeeper's Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003eA school of 15 Cardinal Tetras in a blackwater-style Caridina planted tank with Almond Leaves, dark substrate, low flow, and subdued lighting is one of the most visually complete freshwater aquarium setups achievable at the hobbyist level. The tannin-stained water deepens the iridescent blue of the Cardinals to its most vivid expression, the Crystal Red Shrimp below are visible and active against the dark background, and the overall aesthetic -- warm, naturalistic, rich -- holds together as a unified display rather than a collection of individual elements. It takes patience to establish but is one of the most rewarding setups in the hobby once stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/freshwater-fish-parent\" class=\"cta-block\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"cta-icon\"\u003e🐠\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"cta-text\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrowse more freshwater fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse our full \u003cspan style=\"color:#F40909;font-weight:500;\"\u003eFreshwater Fish collection\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4);font-size:1.4rem;\"\u003e→\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv class=\"policy-bar\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan\u003eBefore placing your order, please review our\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/doa-policy\" title=\"Live arrival guarantee | superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Live arrival guarantee | superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eDOA Policy\u003c\/a\u003e\n      \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/shipping-info-practices\" title=\"Shipping policies, info \u0026amp; practices – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\" aria-label=\"Shipping policies, info \u0026amp; practices – superior shrimp \u0026amp; aquatics\"\u003eShipping Info\u003c\/a\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/body\u003e","brand":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":45052965781712,"sku":null,"price":2.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3","offer_id":45052965814480,"sku":null,"price":7.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6","offer_id":45052965847248,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12","offer_id":45052965880016,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0639\/2895\/9184\/files\/cardinal-tetras-paracheirodon-axelrodi-vibrant-neon-blue-red-191.webp?v=1782510986","url":"https:\/\/www.superiorshrimpaquatics.com\/products\/cardinal-tetras-paracheirodon-axelrodi","provider":"Superior Shrimp \u0026 Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}