Paracheirodon axelrodi (Schultz, 1956)
Cardinal tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
photo by Nilsson, K.

Family:  Characidae (Characins; tetras), subfamily: Stethaprioninae
Max. size:  2.51 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 4 - 6; dH range: 5 - 12, non-migratory
Distribution:  South America: Upper Orinoco and Negro River basins.
Diagnosis:   
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).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 March 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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