Cardinal tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Characidae
Easy
Parameter dashboard
Temperature
23.9-28.9 °C
pH
4-6
Size
3 cm
Lifespan
4 years
Min tank40 L
Price$
DietPlanktivore
TemperamentPeaceful
OriginSouth America
Shrimp-safeYes
Care guide
Cardinal tetras are peaceful fish that thrive in schools. They require a tank with a minimum capacity of 40L and a temperature range of 23.9-28.9°C. A pH range of 4.0-6.0 is also suitable.
Tankmate compatibility (sample)
Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).
Review first (11)
Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black phantom tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Black tetra Gymnocorymbus ternetzi Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Blackline penguinfish Thayeria boehlkei Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Bleeding-heart tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Buenos Aires tetra Hyphessobrycon anisitsi Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Colombian Tetra Hyphessobrycon columbianus Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Diamond tetra Moenkhausia pittieri Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Ember tetra Hyphessobrycon amandae Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Glass bloodfin Prionobrama filigera Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates · Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Glowlight tetra Hemigrammus erythrozonus Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
| Head-and-taillight tetra Hemigrammus ocellifer Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
1 species with compatible assessment in this sampleCollapse to hide the list; use “Open pair in Compare” for the full matrix.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black neon tetra Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
Same rule engine as Compare. Not a substitute for observation, tank size, or acclimation.
Related species
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