Description

Where a neon tetra carries red only on the rear half of the body, the cardinal tetra runs a solid band of deep red from nose to tail beneath the blue line. In a tank with dark substrate, driftwood and a light tannin stain, a shoal of twenty cardinals is one of the finest sights in the freshwater hobby.

Cardinals are slightly more demanding than neons: they want soft, warm, acidic water and dislike sudden parameter swings. They are not difficult, but they are a fish for an established, stable tank rather than a brand new setup.

Keeping notes

• Best kept at 25 – 28 °C, warmer than most community fish.
• Almond (catappa) leaves and driftwood tannins bring out the colour and mimic their natural blackwater habitat.
• Feed small, frequent meals – their mouths are tiny.