Paracheirodon axelrodi

This iconic aquarium fish is found in abundance in blackwater creeks in the Amazon rain forest. The water there is warm and soft, and stained by tannins released by submerged wood and leaves. Remember that rain forest rivulets are usually under the canopy, which limits direct sunlight.

If you have information about or footage of this fish in the wild, please reach out to us.

It is distinguished from the Neon tetra by having two parallel horizontal bands: one blue, one red. In the Neon tetra, the lower red band only runs along half the body. Neon tetra also appreciate their water a bit cooler. Cardinals, despite being usually wild-caught, are not fussy eaters. Flake food is fine. They are breedable, but soft water is a necessity. Keep them in large groups, ideally 20 or more.