Tetra Cardinal Breeding Protocol

Sometimes called red neon tetras, cardinal tetras distinguish themselves by the solid red stripe running horizontally along the entire lower portion of their bodies. Like neon tetras, these small freshwater fish are egg layers, but can be more difficult to breed.

  1. Water Requirements

    • Cardinal tetras prefer soft, acidic water with pH levels ranging from 4.0 to 6.0 and temperatures maintained between 72 and 80 degrees. Performing frequent partial water changes and testing the water regularly to monitor ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels keeps them in optimal condition.

    Live Foods

    • Providing a steady source of protein-rich live foods, such as black worms and baby brine shrimp complete with their egg yolk sacs, will encourage cardinal tetras to breed. Frozen foods including beef heart and daphnia--small crustaceans also called water fleas--provide additional nutrition.

    Plants and Lighting

    • Heavily planted aquariums featuring tall, leafy plants and ample floating plants encourage cardinal tetras to spawn. They require low-light tank conditions with areas of open space for swimming. Cardinal tetras lay up to 500 eggs, scattering them among the plants. Because they will eat the eggs and newly hatched fry, remove the parents from the breeding tank once egg laying is completed.