Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size2"
Minimum tank15 gal
Temperamentpeaceful
Group6+
- temperature75-82F
- pH4.5-7.2
- water_hardnessGH 1-8 dGH | KH 0-4 dKH
- plant_safetysafe
- shrimp_safetycaution
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilitybeginner
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Cardinal Tetra, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the middle zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesSchooling blackwater tetra; needs warm, stable, soft-to-moderate water and the company of its own kind.
- caveatKeep a group of 6 or more; cardinals stress and hide in small groups.
- caveatPrefers warm, stable, soft-to-moderate water — colder community tanks shorten lifespan.
- caveatMore sensitive than many beginner community fish to ammonia, nitrite, and rapid parameter swings; add only to a fully cycled, mature tank.
- caveatAvoid large predatory or mouth-sized tankmates that can eat them, and avoid boisterous species that chase the school.
Compatible tank mates
- Bladder Snailyellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Bettayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Chili Rasborayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ember Tetrayellowschooling_size_issue | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Cherry Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Ghost Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Blue Dream Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Orange Sakura Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Black Rose Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->
- Snowball Shrimpyellowshrimp_predation_risk | minimum 15 galCheck this pair in the planner ->