Cardinal Tetra
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
Cardinal Tetra
Scientific Classification
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Common Name: Cardinal Tetra
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Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
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Family: Characidae
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Order: Characiformes
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Origin: Amazon River Basin (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela)
Appearance
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Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
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Coloration: Vibrant neon blue stripe running horizontally from nose to tail and a striking red stripe from the mid-body to the tail.
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Distinguishing Features: Unlike the similar neon tetra, the red stripe extends across the entire body.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Peaceful and shy
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Social Needs: Schooling fish; should be kept in groups of 6 or more (ideally 10+)
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Tank Zone: Mid-level swimmer
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Compatibility: Excellent community fish. Avoid aggressive or overly active tank mates.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group
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Water Temperature: 73°F–81°F (23°C–27°C)
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pH Range: 4.6–6.5 (prefers soft, slightly acidic water)
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Hardness: 1–4 dGH
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Lighting: Dim lighting preferred to replicate natural Amazonian habitat
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Decor: Dense vegetation, driftwood, and leaf litter mimic their natural environment and provide hiding spots
Diet
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Type: Omnivorous
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Typical Foods:
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High-quality flake food
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Micro-pellets
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Frozen or live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms)
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times per day in small portions
Breeding
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Difficulty: Challenging in captivity
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Spawning Behavior: Egg scatterers, typically breed in soft, acidic water
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Parental Care: None; adults may eat the eggs
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Special Requirements: Breeding tank, dim lighting, peat filtration, and live food conditioning
Health and Lifespan
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Lifespan: 3–5 years in optimal conditions
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Common Health Issues: Sensitive to water quality changes; prone to ich and neon tetra disease
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Prevention: Stable, clean tank environment and quarantine new fish
Health and Lifespan
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Lifespan: 3–5 years in optimal conditions
-
Common Health Issues: Sensitive to water quality changes; prone to ich and neon tetra disease
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Prevention: Stable, clean tank environment and quarantine new fish
***Photos for reference only*** If you like updated photo please contact us and we will send you photos/video of actual fish that you are purchasing.
