Common Name: Cardinal Tetra
Scientific Name: Cheirodon/Paracheirodon axelrodi
Pronounced: Ki'-ro-don
Categories: Genus of Characidae, Sub-family Cheirodontinae
Origins: South America, in the tributaries of the Orinoco and Rio Negro.

Description: Grows to 1.6-1.8in (4-4.5cm). The females is the larger of the two. The body is elongated and laterally compressed, and there is a adipose fin (2nd dorsal). It is easily identified by it's coloration. Their base color is silver with a blue or green sheen. There is a broad blue-green band that runs from the tip of the nose threw the eye to the base of the caudal fin. Underneath this band is a bright red band that runs the length of the body from the caudal fin all the way to the eye. This band is the easiest way to tell the difference between the Cardinal and Neon Tetras. The belly is white. The fins have are colorless and the back is greenish in color. They are peaceful, and active swimmers.
Diet: Omnivorous. Worms, small crustaceans, dried food.
Environment: It mostly lives in shoals, in the middle depths, flowing and still waters or in dense plant growth. Water temperature should be 73-79F (23-26C), soft (2-3 dH), and slightly acid (5-6.8 pH). Use a dark tank bed.
Tank Mates: Community tank. Schools of at least 7; schools of 15-20 fish is even better.
Breeding: Difficult to breed. Spawning usually takes place at night or in subdued light. Leave a 25 watt light on at night in a corner of the room. When conditioning them, separate them and feed freeze-dried foods, such as brine shrimp and tubifex worms. The female will become full bodied when ready. The tank should have a capacity of 5-10 gallons and lightly aerated. The water should be acid, very soft (1 dH), treated with 2 level teaspoons of salt per gallon (to prevent bacterial growth), and at a temperature of about 74F. The water depth should be about 4-5 inches deep. The bottom of the tank should be covered in peat moss to protect the eggs. Pair the two at night and only let soft light be allowed the following day. The act of spawning is hard to spot. The pair will assume a side-to-side position and 300-500 translucent, pale brown adhesive eggs will be scattered throughout the tank. The eggs will hatch in 24-48 hours and then increase the light slowly. The fry should be free swimming in 3-5 days. Feed the fry infusoria for at least a week then start them on newly hatched brine shrimp and rotifers.