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 (5)
Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.
| Species | Assessment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates Open pair in Compare → |
| Diamond tetra Moenkhausia pittieri Caution | Caution | Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates 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 → |
| Silvertip tetra Hasemania nana Caution | Caution | Species with non-overlapping pH ranges may not thrive together Open pair in Compare → |
7 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 → |
| Black phantom tetra Hyphessobrycon megalopterus Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Head-and-taillight tetra Hemigrammus ocellifer Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Jewel tetra Hyphessobrycon eques Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Lemon tetra Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Rosy tetra Hyphessobrycon rosaceus Compatible | Compatible | No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair. Open pair in Compare → |
| Rummy-nose tetra Hemigrammus rhodostomus 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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