Create a classic, colourful display in your aquarium with the Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm. Famous for their bright neon blue stripe and rich red body that runs from nose to tail, cardinals are one of the most striking schooling fish available and look incredible in planted and aquascaped tanks.
At approximately 2.5cm, Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm are small, peaceful fish that really shine when kept in a decent‑sized school.
Key Features of Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm
- Iconic neon blue and deep red colouration
- Peaceful schooling fish for community aquariums
- Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm stay small and slender
- Look best in planted tanks with darker substrates
- Great choice for peaceful community and discus setups
A group of Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm moving together instantly becomes a centrepiece in any well‑scaped aquarium.
Tank Requirements for Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm
To keep Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm healthy and showing their best colour:
- Recommended tank size: from around 60cm (2ft) and up
- Provide open mid‑water swimming space with plants around the edges
- Use driftwood, plants and leaf litter to create shaded areas
- Temperature: roughly 24–28°C
- pH: about 5.5–7.0 with soft, clean, stable water
Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm appreciate gentle flow, good filtration and regular water changes. Stable conditions help them settle, colour up and live longer.
Ideal Tank Mates for Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm
Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm are peaceful and pair well with:
- Other small, gentle tetras and rasboras
- Dwarf cichlids and peaceful gourami
- Corydoras and small, non‑aggressive bottom dwellers
- Shrimp and snails in carefully planned setups
They should be kept in groups of at least 8–10 Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm, with larger schools looking even more impressive and helping them feel secure.
Feeding Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm
Feeding Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm is easy:
- High‑quality micro pellets or fine flakes as a staple
- Supplement with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworms
- Offer small feeds 1–2 times daily so all fish get a share
A varied diet helps Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm maintain strong colour, good condition and natural activity.
Aquascaping Tips for Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm
Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm look best in:
- Heavily planted tanks with open swimming lanes
- Darker substrates that make their colours pop
- Layouts with driftwood, roots and shaded areas for a “blackwater” feel
Design your scape so a school of Cardinal Tetra 2.5cm can cruise across the front and mid‑water, framed by plants and hardscape for maximum visual impact.