Cardinal tetra

From Freepedia

Cardinal Tetra
Conservation status: Secure

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Characiformes
Family:	Characidae
Genus:	Paracheirodon
Species:	P. axelrodi

Binomial name

Paracheirodon axelrodi
(Schultz, 1956)

The Cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a freshwater fish of the characin family (family Characidae) of order Characiformes. It is native to the upper Orinoco and Negro Rivers in South America.

Growing to about 3 cm (1.25 in) total length, the cardinal tetra has the striking iridescent blue line characteristic of the Paracheirodon species laterally bisecting the fish, with the body below this line being bright red in color. The cardinal tetra's appearance is similar to that of the closely related neon tetra, with which it is often confused; the neon's red coloration extends only about halfway to the nose, however.

Image:Paracheirodon axelrodi school.jpg

The cardinal tetra is a very popular aquarium fish but is less widespread than the neon tetra as it is difficult to breed in captivity; most specimens sold in the aquarium trade have been caught in the wild and imported. This doesn't seem to pose an environmental concern (the fish is very common in the wild.)

Perhaps due to their wild-caught origins, cardinal tetras tend to be somewhat delicate in captivity. In the wild, these fish inhabit extremely soft, acidic waters, but seem to be tolerant of harder, more alkaline water conditions; a greater concern is probably polluted tank water (including high nitrate levels.) They prefer warmer water temperatures (in the upper 70s F or warmer), and will readily accept most forms of dry food.

P. axelrodi is also often called the red neon tetra. Cheirodon axelrodi (the original name) and Hyphessobrycon cardinalis are obsolete synonyms. The fish's common name, cardinal tetra, refers to the brilliant red coloration, reminiscent of a cardinal's robes. The specific epithet honors ichthyologist Herbert Axelrod.