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Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

$599 CAD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size
SKU: 23011451083902

Delivery and Shipping

Product Refunds & Returns

  • Returns can be processed within 14 days from purchase.
  • To return products, they must be in original condition
  • Shipping expenses are not refundable
  • If your items have been damaged in shipping, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos, and we will assist you.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy – Shipped Orders Only

  • We guarantee live arrival on all shipped livestock when:
  • The package is received on the first delivery attempt.
  • Clear photos of the unopened shipping bag and deceased animal are emailed to us within 2 hours of delivery confirmation.
  • If these conditions are met, we will provide a replacement or store credit. Shipping charges are non-refundable.

7-Day Livestock Guarantee (Local & Shipped Orders)

  • We guarantee our livestock for 7 days from purchase/delivery if our care recommendations and tank requirements were followed.
  • Proof Required: We may require photos of the deceased animal, proof of purchase (receipt/order number), and/or a water sample from your tank for testing.

Livestock Refunds, Returns, & Surrenders

  • Local customers may return livestock within 72 hours of purchase for a refund, provided the animal is alive and in original condition. Returns must be brought to the store; we do not provide pickup services.

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Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Description
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a delightful freshwater fish native to the upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America.

Appearance:

    • Cardinal Tetras have a slender, torpedo-shaped profile.
    • They closely resemble Neon Tetras, with two distinct stripes of red and blue running from their nose to the tail.
    • The blue stripe shimmers with an iridescent finish, creating a beautiful glow in the right lighting conditions.
    • Directly below the blue stripe is a thicker band of bright red that runs the entire length of their body and even bleeds into their transparent tail.
    • The main difference between Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras is the length of the red stripe: for Neons, the red color only marks half of the body.

  2. Tank Size and Water Parameters:

    • Cardinal Tetras are peaceful by nature and make wonderful additions to community tanks.
    • They grow to about 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) in total length.
    • Maintain stable water conditions to ensure their well-being.
    • Ideal water parameters include a temperature range of 73°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C), a pH level of 5.5 to 7.0, and soft to moderately hard water.
    • Provide plenty if hiding spots and plants in the aquarium to replicate their natural habitat. 

  3. Behavior and Tank Mates:

    • Cardinal Tetras are active and social fish.
    • They exhibit beautiful shoaling behavior even in small groups.
    • Consider keeping them in schools of at least six to eight individuals.
    • Suitable tank mates include other peaceful community fish, such as other tetras, rasboras, and small catfish.
    • Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
    • Provide a well planted aquarium with subdued lighting to make them feel secure. 

  4. Lifespan:

    • In captivity, Cardinal Tetras can live between four and five years.
    • Interestingly, they tend to live longer in captivity than in the wild.

 

Specifications
  • Category
    Tetras
  • Species Type
    Cardinal Tetra
  • Water Temperature
    68°F to 82°F
  • Minimum Tank Size
    10 Gallons
  • Water pH Level
    Acidic, Neutral
  • Habitat Preference
    Planted Tanks, Rocky Tanks, Hiding Spots, Diffused Lighting
  • Behaviour
    Community Fish, Schooling

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Our Brands

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Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) | Tetras Rasboras & Pencilfish | Largest Tropical Fish Selection at Your Local Fish Store
Sunbeam Aquatics

Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

From $549 CAD
Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a delightful freshwater fish native to the upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America.

Appearance:

    • Cardinal Tetras have a slender, torpedo-shaped profile.
    • They closely resemble Neon Tetras, with two distinct stripes of red and blue running from their nose to the tail.
    • The blue stripe shimmers with an iridescent finish, creating a beautiful glow in the right lighting conditions.
    • Directly below the blue stripe is a thicker band of bright red that runs the entire length of their body and even bleeds into their transparent tail.
    • The main difference between Cardinal Tetras and Neon Tetras is the length of the red stripe: for Neons, the red color only marks half of the body.

  2. Tank Size and Water Parameters:

    • Cardinal Tetras are peaceful by nature and make wonderful additions to community tanks.
    • They grow to about 2 inches (approximately 5 cm) in total length.
    • Maintain stable water conditions to ensure their well-being.
    • Ideal water parameters include a temperature range of 73°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C), a pH level of 5.5 to 7.0, and soft to moderately hard water.
    • Provide plenty if hiding spots and plants in the aquarium to replicate their natural habitat. 

  3. Behavior and Tank Mates:

    • Cardinal Tetras are active and social fish.
    • They exhibit beautiful shoaling behavior even in small groups.
    • Consider keeping them in schools of at least six to eight individuals.
    • Suitable tank mates include other peaceful community fish, such as other tetras, rasboras, and small catfish.
    • Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
    • Provide a well planted aquarium with subdued lighting to make them feel secure. 

  4. Lifespan:

    • In captivity, Cardinal Tetras can live between four and five years.
    • Interestingly, they tend to live longer in captivity than in the wild.

 


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