Scientific Name
Paracheirodon axelrodi

Common Name
Cardinal tetra

Biology
Occurs mainly in shoals in the middle water layers. Feeds on worms and small crustaceans (Ref. 7020). Breeding in captivity is possible but difficult and most specimens in the aquarium trade are caught in the tributaries of the Rio Negro and Orinoco. Eggs hatch in 24 to 30 hours and fry are free-swimming after 3 to 4 days in captivity (Ref. 7020). One of the most popular and beautiful aquarium fishes. Aquarium keeping: in groups of 5 or more individuals; minimum aquarium size 60 cm (Ref. 51539).

Classification

Classified By

Schultz, 1956

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Characins (Characiformes)

Family

Characins (Characidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Upper Orinoco and Negro River basins.

Range

Unknown

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

23 °C

Water Temperature To

27 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

pelagic

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 4.0 - 6.0; dH range: 5 - 12 pelagic; non-migratory

Trophic Level

3.28 s.e. 0.39 Based on food items.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

2.5 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.6250 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: highly commercial

Vulnerability

Low vulnerability (10 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Not Evaluated