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Paracheirodon axelrodi, commonly known as the Cardinal Tetra, is a small, freshwater fish belonging to the Characidae family. It is renowned for its vibrant coloration, featuring a brilliant iridescent blue stripe running horizontally along its body, superimposed over a vivid red stripe that extends from the snout to the caudal fin. This striking appearance makes it a highly sought-after aquarium species. They are schooling fish, exhibiting complex social behaviors within their groups.
Fysiske karakteristika
- Kropsform
- torpedo
- Farvetegning
- A prominent iridescent blue stripe runs from the eye to the adipose fin, situated above a vibrant red stripe that extends from the operculum to the caudal peduncle. The ventral side is typically white to silvery. Fins are generally translucent.
- Skæltype
- cycloid
- Mundens placering
- terminal
- Kendetegn
- Bright iridescent blue horizontal stripe, Vivid red horizontal stripe extending the full length of the body below the blue stripe, Small adipose fin, Forked caudal fin
- Rygfinne
- Single, relatively small, located mid-body.
- Halefinne
- Deeply forked, transparent.
- Brystfinne
- Small, transparent, located just behind the operculum.
- Karakteristiske finner
- Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins.
Identifikationstips
Red Stripe
The most definitive feature is the red stripe that runs the entire length of the body, from the snout to the caudal fin. This distinguishes it from the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) where the red stripe only extends about halfway along the body.
Blue Stripe
The iridescent blue stripe is typically brighter and more pronounced in the Cardinal Tetra compared to the Neon Tetra.
Size
Cardinal Tetras generally grow slightly larger than Neon Tetras, reaching up to 5 cm (2 inches) in length, while Neon Tetras typically reach 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches).
Body Shape
Cardinal Tetras tend to have a slightly more elongated and slender body shape than Neon Tetras.
Habitat
- Vandtype
- freshwater
- Dybde
- Typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters, often near the surface or mid-water column, especially in areas with submerged vegetation or leaf litter.
- Miljø
- Native to blackwater rivers and streams, characterized by very soft, acidic water stained dark by tannins from decaying vegetation. These environments often have dense riparian vegetation, submerged roots, and leaf litter, providing ample hiding places and subdued lighting.
- Geografisk udbredelse
- Upper Orinoco and Negro River basins in South America, specifically in Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Akvarieoplysninger
- Plejeniveau: intermediate
- Temperament: peaceful
- Kost: omnivore
- Minimum akvariestørrelse: 60 liters (15 gallons) for a small school
- Temperatur: 23-27°C (73-81°F)
- pH-niveau: 4.5-6.5
- Hårdhed: 1-5 dGH (very soft water)
- Kompatibilitet: Excellent with other small, peaceful community fish such as other tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and corydoras. Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish that may prey on them.
- Særlige krav: Requires a well-established aquarium with dense planting, driftwood, and subdued lighting to mimic their natural blackwater habitat. They thrive in soft, acidic water and benefit from regular small water changes. A school of at least 6-10 individuals is recommended to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.
Information om vilde bestande
- Bevaringsstatus: least concern
- Sæson: Breeding in the wild is often tied to the rainy season, which provides an abundance of food and suitable spawning conditions. Collection for the aquarium trade occurs year-round but may fluctuate with water levels.
- Markedspris: Varies, typically 2-5 USD per fish depending on size and origin (wild-caught vs. captive-bred)
- Kommerciel betydning: high
- Smag: Not typically consumed due to small size and ornamental value.
- Konsistens: Not typically consumed.
- Næringsværdi: Not typically consumed.
Nøglefakta
Blackwater Specialistbehavior
Cardinal Tetras are highly adapted to blackwater environments, which are characterized by extremely soft, acidic water with low mineral content and high concentrations of tannins. These conditions are crucial for their health and vibrant coloration.
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
These fish are obligate schooling species, meaning they rely on the safety and social interaction of a group to thrive. Keeping them in insufficient numbers can lead to stress, shyness, and a duller coloration.
Wild-Caught vs. Captive-Bredinteresting
A significant portion of Cardinal Tetras in the aquarium trade are still wild-caught from the Amazon. Sustainable collection practices are important for the local economies and the health of wild populations.
Discoveryinteresting
Paracheirodon axelrodi was first described by Leonard P. Schultz in 1956 and named in honor of Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod, a prominent ichthyologist and publisher of aquarium books.
Coloration and Healthbehavior
The intensity of a Cardinal Tetra's colors is a good indicator of its health and well-being. Stressed or unhealthy fish will often display faded or duller colors.
Sikkerhedsoplysninger
Sikker- Sikkerhedsniveau: safe
- Giftig: Nej
- Spiselighed: not recommended
- Håndteringsnoter: Cardinal Tetras are delicate fish and should be handled with care to avoid stress and injury. When transferring, use a soft net or a container to minimize physical contact. They are not venomous and pose no threat to humans.
Lignende arter
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
The red stripe on the Neon Tetra extends only about halfway along its body, stopping before the adipose fin, whereas on the Cardinal Tetra, the red stripe runs the full length of the body to the caudal fin. The blue stripe on the Neon Tetra is often less vibrant and may appear more greenish-blue.
Green Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon simulans
The Green Neon Tetra has a much thinner and less prominent red stripe, often appearing as a faint reddish hue or being absent entirely. Its iridescent stripe is more greenish-blue and extends further down the body than in the Cardinal Tetra. It is also generally smaller than both the Cardinal and Neon Tetras.
Videnskabelig klassifikation
- Rige
- Animalia
- Række
- Chordata
- Klasse
- Actinopterygii
- Orden
- Characiformes
- Familie
- Characidae
- Slægt
- Paracheirodon
- Art
- P. axelrodi
Udforsk Rød Neon Tetra
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