Overnight shipping required for the safety of all live fish
Free Overnight Shipping on all orders over $200
Quantity
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100% Live Arrival Guarantee
Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →
Quarantined livestock • Professionally packed • Insulated with weather protection
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Beginner Friendly
Temperature
75–82°F
pH Range
5.0–7.0
Min. Tank
20 gallons
Cardinal Tetra$6.99
Species Profile
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Why We Love This Fish
Verified shrimp-safe species
Quarantined before shipping
Stunning in planted tanks
Peaceful community fish
Cardinal Tetras are often considered more spectacular than Neon Tetras. Where Neons have red only on the lower rear half, Cardinals are fully red from snout to tail — the entire lower half glows with intense crimson. Combined with the electric blue iridescent stripe above, a school of 15–20 is breathtaking.
Native to the blackwater rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, Cardinals naturally inhabit tannin-rich, soft, acidic water. Fully captive-bred and adaptable to moderate conditions. Every fish we ship is quarantined before departure.
Care Notes
Cardinal Tetras prefer warmer, softer, more acidic water than Neon Tetras and are more sensitive to water quality instability. Do not add to a new or uncycled tank. Feed quality small pellets, flake, and occasional frozen daphnia or micro worms. Their full red and blue colouration develops under good conditions and dims noticeably when stressed.
Keep in groups of at least 10. Cardinals are peaceful with all tank mates and safe with adult shrimp in planted tanks. A blackwater-style setup with driftwood and Indian almond leaves brings out the most vivid colouration.
Quick Care Facts
Care Level
Beginner Friendly
Temperature
75–82°F
pH Range
5.0–7.0
Min. Tank
20 gallons
Diet
Small pellets, flake food, micro worms, frozen daphnia
Adult Size
~1.5–2 in
What’s Included
Quarantined fish
Insulated + weather pack
Overnight required
Species Spotlight
Why We Love This Fish
01
Full Red, Not Half — The Cardinal Advantage
Cardinals are vivid crimson from snout to tail. Unlike Neons whose red is only on the rear lower half, the difference in a school is immediately visible.
02
Blackwater Beauty
In a blackwater tank with driftwood and Indian almond leaves, Cardinal Tetras show their absolute best colour. The crimson-and-blue against dark tannin water is one of the hobby’s iconic visuals.
03
Safe with Shrimp
Peaceful and safe with adult shrimp in planted tanks.
Community Tank
Compatible Tank Mates
These nano fish coexist well with shrimp and other peaceful invertebrates.
Hard, alkaline water tank mates requiring incompatible parameters
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation
Keep 10–15 in a planted 20-gallon with warm, soft water. Adding driftwood and Indian almond leaves enhances colour. Fish ship Overnight / Next Day Air — choose your delivery date at checkout.
Fish ship via Overnight service to minimize stress and maximize live arrival success. Livestock ships Monday through Thursday. Choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
1
Choose Delivery Date
Select your preferred delivery date at checkout. Livestock delivers Tuesday through Friday.
2
Quarantined & Health Checked
Every animal is imported, quarantined on-site, and health-checked before it ships.
3
Packed for the Weather
Insulated box with heat or cold pack matched to your local weather forecast.
4
Live Arrival Guaranteed
100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.See policy →
Fish orders require Overnight. Free Overnight at $200+. Shrimp & livestock: Free 2-Day at $120+.
Why Order From Razz Aquatics
Quarantined Before Every Shipment
Every animal we sell is imported from trusted suppliers, quarantined in our dedicated facility, and health-checked before it ships. We run over 100 aquariums on-site — each focused on a specific species or color morph.
This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.
100+
Dedicated quarantine & holding aquariums on-site
48+
States served with live livestock delivery
4.9★
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Quarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions
Cardinal Tetra FAQ
What is the difference between Cardinal and Neon Tetras?+
Cardinals have full red colouration from snout to tail; Neons have red only on the lower rear half. Cardinals prefer warmer, softer, more acidic water.
How many should I keep?+
10 minimum, 15 preferred.
How do I acclimate Cardinal Tetras?+
Float the bag 15 minutes for temperature. Drip-acclimate at 2–3 drops per second for 30–60 minutes. Net the fish into the tank — never add bag water. Dim lights for the first few hours.
How are these fish shipped?+
Via Overnight / UPS Next Day Air. Professionally packed in an insulated box with a heat or cold pack matched to your local weather. Fish ship Monday through Thursday and deliver Tuesday through Friday.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo any DOA in the sealed bag on the day of delivery and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics’ discretion.
Are they safe with shrimp?+
Yes — safe with adult shrimp in planted tanks.
What water do they prefer?+
Temperature 75–82°F, pH 5.0–7.0. Tannin-rich water enhances colouration.
Why does fish shipping cost more?+
Fish ship via Overnight / Next Day Air to minimise stress and maximise live arrival success. This is reflected in the shipping cost at checkout.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Free Overnight on fish orders $200+. Overnight shipping applies below that threshold. Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+.
Live plants give nano fish cover, reduce stress, and create a more natural aquarium. They help break up sightlines, provide shelter for shy fish, and support a healthier planted tank.
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
Shrimp Safe
