ExploreFish

Cardinal Tetra

Paracheirodon cardinalis

Cardinal Tetras are beautiful little fish with bright red and blue colors! They love to swim in groups and are very peaceful.

Habitat: Freshwater rivers

Appearance

The Cardinal Tetra has a vibrant, iridescent blue stripe running above a brilliant red stripe that extends from head to tail. This full-body red stripe distinguishes it from its close relative, the Neon Tetra, making it appear as a tiny, living jewel.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCharaciformesFamilyCharacidaeGenusParacheirodon

Cardinal Tetra

Interesting facts

At night, their bright colors disappear to help them hide from predators!

Cardinal Tetras are like living jewels found only in the Amazon rainforest!

These tiny fish can swim in rivers so dark, they're called 'blackwater'!

They look like tiny swimming rainbows, thanks to their shiny scales!

Special abilities

Cardinal Tetra has a bright iridescent stripe that reflects light, helping them blend into their dark river habitats or confuse predators.

Cardinal Tetra can make their bright colors fade at night, helping them hide from lurking predators while they rest.

Cardinal Tetra can form huge schools, creating a moving 'superorganism' that makes it harder for predators to pick out one fish.

Measurements & details

Length: 3-5 cm
Weight: 0.0005-0.001 kg
Lifespan: 1-3 years
Swim Speed: 0.5 km/h
Max Depth: 2 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Tiny predators, they munch on small insects and critters found in the water.

Primary Foods

Zooplankton
Insect larvae
Small crustaceans
Algae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

A tiny crustacean that is a primary food source for tetras.

eaten by

Dwarf Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla regani

A larger predatory fish sharing the same Amazonian habitat.

eaten by

Wolf Fish

Hoplias malabaricus

A fierce nocturnal predator that ambushes smaller fish like tetras.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Piscivorous

Discover amazing animals that love to eat fish! They're like expert underwater hunters, always on the lookout for a tasty meal from the rivers, lakes, and oceans.