How to Identify Cardinal Tetra

To identify Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The most prominent feature is a brilliant iridescent blue-green stripe running horizontally along the upper flank, from the snout to the adipose fin. Below this, a vivid, broad red stripe extends from the operculum to the caudal peduncle, covering the entire lower half of the body. The belly is typically white to silvery. Fins are generally translucent, sometimes with a faint reddish tint.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Full-length red stripe from operculum to caudal peduncle, Iridescent blue-green stripe above the red stripe, Small, slender body, Adipose fin present

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively small, located mid-body.

Tail fin

Forked (homocercal), transparent.

Pectoral fin

Small, clear, positioned ventrally.

Distinctive fins

Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of characins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Red Stripe Length

   The red stripe on a Cardinal Tetra extends from the gill cover (operculum) all the way to the caudal peduncle (base of the tail). This is the primary distinguishing feature from the Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi).

2. 2

   Blue Stripe Iridescence

   The iridescent blue-green stripe is typically more vibrant and broader in Cardinal Tetras compared to Neon Tetras.

3. 3

   Size

   Cardinal Tetras generally grow slightly larger than Neon Tetras, reaching up to 5 cm (2 inches) in total length, whereas Neon Tetras typically reach 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 inches).

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