Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Adult cardinal tetras inhabit warm, acidic blackwater streams, backwaters, and seasonally flooded forests in the Amazon and Orinoco drainages. They forage through the water column for small crustaceans, insect larvae, and bits of plant matter, using rapid turns to avoid danger. Their intense blue and red coloration is produced largely by reflective cells, which can appear brighter or dimmer with changing light conditions.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
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- Cardinal Tetra