Cardinal tetra

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Cardinal Tetra | status = Conservation status: Secure | image = Paracheirodon_axelrodi.png | image_width = 250px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Characiformes | familia = Characidae | genus = Paracheirodon | species = P. axelrodi | binomial = Paracheirodon axelrodi | binomial_authority = (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.) The fish is also effectively an annual species and has a lifespan of just a single year in nature. It lives for several years in captivity.

An entire industry has started in Barcelos on the banks of Brazil's Rio Negro in which the local population catches fish for the aquarium trade. The Cardinal fishery here is highly valued by the local people who act as stewards for the environment. The local people do not become involved in potentially environmentally damaging activities, such as deforestation, because they can make a sustainable living from the fishery.

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.

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