Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal tetras resemble their cousin the Neon tetra (P. innesi) but their German common name of Red Neon describes the main difference rather well – this fish displays a red belly lacking in its more mainstream relative. In the wild, these fishes inhabit clear water streams and creeks protected from extremes of temperature by the forest shade. Seasonal rains make for distinct changes in the habitat and the wet season allows adult fish to spawn amongst the marginal vegetation after sheltering among the leaf litter above the stream bed.