Cardinal Tetra
A vivid schooling fish with a full-length red stripe. Cardinals thrive in groups in a mature, stable aquarium with gentle companions.
tankSize
60L (15 gal) minimum for a school
careLevel
Beginner to Intermediate
temperature
24 to 27C
temperament
Peaceful
diet
Micro-pellets or flakes plus frozen foods
lifespan
3 to 5 years
aloneOrCommunity
Community (schooling)
weeklyMaintenance
Partial water changes and parameter checks
Best for
- Owners who want a bright, calm schooling display
- Planted community aquariums
- People with a fully cycled tank
- Tanks with soft-to-moderate water
Not ideal for
- Brand-new tanks that are not cycled
- Tanks with aggressive or large predatory fish
- Very hard water without adjustment
- People who want a single centerpiece fish
Temperament
- Peaceful and social
- Most confident in groups of 8 or more
- Prefers gentle tank mates and stable water
Daily routine
feeding: Small feedings once or twice daily with appropriately sized food.
check: Look for tight schooling, clear eyes, and normal breathing.
enrichment: Plants and shaded areas help them feel secure.
Living fit
smallHome: Good fit for a small, stable community setup.
kids: Great for learning routines and observation.
firstTimeOwner: Good if you cycle the tank properly.
Health notes
- Sensitive to sudden water changes and poor water quality.
- Quarantine new arrivals when possible.
- A stable, mature tank reduces disease risk.
Cost and time
time: Low daily time; weekly water changes required.
cost: Low fish cost, moderate setup cost for a stable tank.
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