Neon and Cardinal Tetras: Care Guide For The Best Beginner Schooling Fish

Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras are among the most commonly suggested fish for a dynamic yet peaceful freshwater community aquarium. These are small and colourful fish that are highly regarded by  aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and ease of care. These schooling fish can thrive in a variety of tank environments, making them a great addition to any community tank. In this care guide, we will discuss the best practices for caring for neon and cardinal tetras, including their ideal tank conditions, feeding habits, and common health issues to look out for.

Overview Of Neon And Cardinal Tetras

While both these fish share a striking resemblance, they are two completely different species and here is a closer look at each of them.

Neon Tetra

Neon tetras are small, brightly coloured fish that are native to South America, specifically the Amazon basin. They are one of the most popular choices for aquarium enthusiasts due to their amazing looks and hardy nature. Neon tetras are known for their distinctive iridescent blue stripe that runs horizontally along their body, which is separated from their red lower half by a thin, black line.

In the wild, neon tetras live in densely planted, slow-moving streams and tributaries. They are schooling fish and feel most comfortable when they are in a group of at least 6 to 8 individuals. In the aquarium, they are great options for community tanks, where they can peacefully coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish.

Neon tetras are relatively easy to care for and do not require a large tank. However, ensure that the water quality is high and the tank is properly cycled to prevent any health issues. They are omnivorous and can be fed a diet of both commercial flake and frozen foods. When provided with a suitable environment and proper care, neon tetras can live up to 5 years in captivity.

Overall, neon tetras are a great choice for beginner fish keepers looking to add some colour and activity to their aquarium.

Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal tetras are also small, vibrant freshwater fish that are native to the upper reaches of the Amazon River in South America. Like their close relative, the neon tetra, they are a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts due to their equally striking appearance and peaceful nature. Cardinal tetras are known for their bright, iridescent blue and red colouration, which spans the length of their bodies.

In the wild, cardinal tetras live in densely planted, slow-moving streams and tributaries. They are also schooling fish and feel most comfortable when they are in a group of at least 6 to 8 individuals. They too make for great addition in a peaceful community tank.

Cardinal tetras are ever so slightly more demanding than Neon Tetras but nothing that a beginner cannot handle. When provided with a suitable environment and proper care, cardinal tetras can also live up to 5 years in captivity.

Their vibrant colours and schooling behaviour make them just as good an option as the Neon Tetra when it comes to community tanks.

Can They Be Kept Together?

Both these fish are among the most suitable options for a great beginner-friendly community aquarium which is all the more reason to wonder if they can be kept together. To answer this question, we need to answer two other questions first.

Do Neon And Cardinal Tatras Require Similar Tank Conditions?

Yes, neon and cardinal tetras have identical tank requirements as they are both native to the same region and have similar habitat preferences in the wild. Both species are small and peaceful, and they prefer to live in densely planted tanks with slow-moving water.

Can Neon Tetra And Cardinal Tetra Breed With Each Other?

No, neon tetras and cardinal tetras cannot breed with each other as they are two separate species with distinct genetic makeups. While they may look similar, neon tetras and cardinal tetras are two different species with their own unique characteristics.

As a result, these two fish species can be kept together without any issues. Let us take a closer look at what they need to do well in an aquarium.

Setting Up The Ideal Tank Environment For These Tetras

Setting up the ideal tank environment for neon and cardinal tetras is essential for their health and well-being. These beautiful schooling fish require a suitable aquarium that replicates their natural habitat in the Amazon basin. Here are some tips for setting up the ideal tank environment for neon and cardinal tetras:

• Tank size: A minimum of 37 litres or 10 gallons is recommended for a small school of tetras. However, larger tanks are always better as they provide more swimming space and make it easier to maintain water quality.
• Filtration: Good filtration is essential to maintain a healthy and stable environment for tetras. A filter that is capable of cycling the water at least 5 times per hour is recommended. A sponge filter or hang-on-back filter can be used for small tanks, while canister filters are suitable for larger tanks.
• Lighting: Neon and cardinal tetras prefer dim lighting, which can be achieved by using a low-intensity aquarium light or by providing some shade. A timer can be used to regulate the lighting cycle.
• Tank decor: Dense vegetation, driftwood, and rocks can provide hiding places for tetras, as well as replicate their natural habitat. Live plants such as java moss, java fern, and anubias can help to maintain water quality and provide a natural food source for tetras.

If a planted tank is too complicated for you then you could look at using artificial plants to achieve a similar effect.

By providing the right tank conditions and proper care, these beautiful schooling fish can thrive and live up to 5 years in captivity.

Feeding Neon And Cardinal Tetras: What And How Much To Feed?

Feeding neon and cardinal tetras is relatively easy as they are omnivores and can thrive on a varied diet. These fish are not picky eaters and will readily accept most types of fish food. Here are some tips on what and how much to feed your neon and cardinal tetras:

1. Flake food: A high-quality flake food can form the basis of their diet. Look for fish food that is specifically formulated for Tetras. Feed small amounts two to three times per day, making sure that all of the food is consumed within a minute or two.
2. Frozen food: In addition to flake food, you can also offer frozen food such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. These foods can provide important nutrients that are not present in dry food. Frozen food can be thawed and then fed in small amounts a few times a week.
3. Live food: Live food such as mosquito larvae, small crustaceans, and insects can be offered occasionally to provide variety in their diet. Live food can be a great source of protein and can help to simulate their natural feeding behaviour.
4. Make sure to get them from a reliable source to avoid introduction of parasites.
5. How much to feed: Do not to overfeed neon and cardinal tetras, as this can lead to health problems such as bloating and constipation. Feed only what your fish can consume within a few minutes, and remove any uneaten food to prevent it from fouling the water.
6. Feeding schedule: Feed your tetras two to three times per day, but avoid feeding them too much at one time. It is better to feed small amounts more frequently to ensure that all of the food is consumed and to prevent overfeeding.

Water Parameters And Maintenance Requirements For Tetras

Maintaining the proper water parameters and performing regular maintenance is crucial for the health and well-being of both these tetras. Here are some guidelines to help you keep your tetras healthy:

• Temperature: Tetras prefer a temperature range of 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), with the ideal temperature being around 25.5°C (78°F).
• pH: Tetras prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Avoid rapid fluctuations in pH as this can stress the fish.
• Hardness: Tetras prefer soft to medium-hard water with a hardness range of 5 to 12 dGH.
• Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate: These are three important parameters that you should monitor regularly. Ammonia and nitrite should be at 0 ppm, while nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration can help keep these parameters in check.
• Water changes: Regular water changes are necessary to maintain good water quality. A 20% to 25% water change every two weeks is recommended.

Compatible Tank Mates For Tetras

Tetras are generally peaceful fish that can coexist with a variety of other fish species. However, it is crucial to choose tank mates that are compatible in terms of size, temperament, and water requirements. Here are some examples of fish that can make good tank mates for these tetras:

• Other Peaceful Tetras: There are many other stunning Tetra species that have similar care requirements and temperament. They are great tankmates for both the Neon and Cardinal Tetra. Examples include Ember, Rummy Nose, Hockeystick, Green Neon, Glow Light, etc.
• Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are peaceful and can help keep the aquarium clean by eating leftover food and debris.
• Guppies: These colourful fish are also peaceful and can add some variety to the aquarium.
• Rasboras: These fish are similar in size and temperament to tetras and can make good companions.
• Dwarf Gouramis: These small, peaceful fish can add some colour and personality to the aquarium.
• Otocinclus Catfish: These small, peaceful fish are excellent at cleaning algae from the aquarium.
• Neon Blue Gourami: These peaceful fish can add some unique colours to the aquarium and are known for their peaceful demeanour.
• Cherry Barbs: These colourful fish are peaceful and can coexist well with tetras.

Common Health Issues And How To Prevent And Treat Them

They are hardy fish. However, like all hardy fish, they are susceptible to various health issues that can arise due to poor water quality, stress, and other factors. Here are some common health issues that can affect neon and cardinal tetras, as well as some prevention and treatment methods:

• Ich (White Spot Disease): Ich is a common parasite that can affect tetras. Symptoms include white spots on the fins and body. To prevent ich, maintain good water quality, avoid overfeeding, and quarantine new fish before adding them to the aquarium. To treat ich, raise the temperature of the aquarium to 30°C (86°F) for several days and use an ich medication.
• Fin Rot: Fin rot is a bacterial infection that can cause the fins to become ragged and frayed. To prevent fin rot, maintain good water quality, avoid overfeeding, and quarantine new fish before adding them to the aquarium. To treat fin rot, perform frequent water changes, treat with an antibiotic medication, and remove any severely damaged fins.
• Swim Bladder Disorder: Swim bladder disorder can cause the fish to have difficulty swimming or swimming upside down. To prevent swim bladder disorder, avoid overfeeding and provide a balanced diet. To treat swim bladder disorder, isolate the affected fish in a separate tank and feed a diet of cooked peas or other high-fibre foods.
• Neon Tetra Disease: This is a viral disease that affects neon tetras and can cause them to lose their colour and become lethargic. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for neon tetra disease, and infected fish should be isolated and euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
  • Can Cardinal Tetra Be Affected By Neon Tetra Disease

Yes, cardinal tetras can be affected by Neon Tetra Disease (NTD). NTD is caused by a virus that can infect both neon and cardinal tetras, as well as some other fish species in the characin family. The symptoms of NTD in cardinal tetras are similar to those in neon tetras, including loss of colour, lethargy, and poor appetite. To prevent NTD, quarantine new fish before adding them to the aquarium and maintain good water quality and a healthy diet for your tetras.

• Columnaris: Columnaris is a bacterial infection that can cause the fish to develop lesions and ulcers on the skin. To prevent columnaris, maintain good water quality and avoid overcrowding. To treat columnaris, perform frequent water changes and use an antibiotic medication.

In general, maintaining good water quality and providing a balanced diet are the best ways to prevent health issues in tetras. If you notice any signs of illness in your tetras, act quickly to prevent the spread of disease and seek the advice of a veterinarian or experienced fish keeper.

Breeding

While these fish aren’t the easiest fish to breed for a beginner, if you are dedicated enough, it can be done.

Neon Tetras

Here are some steps to breed neon tetras:

1. Create a breeding tank: To breed neon tetras, you will need a separate breeding tank with a capacity of at least 5 gallons. This tank should be set up with a heater, filter, and some plants or spawning mops for the tetras to lay their eggs on.
2. Select healthy breeding pairs: Choose healthy adult tetras that are at least a year old and have vibrant colours. Look for males with a straight, bright blue stripe and females with a rounder body shape.
3. Condition the breeding pairs: Feed the breeding pairs a high-quality diet of live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp or daphnia, to condition them for breeding.
4. Introduce the breeding pairs: Place one or two males and two to four females in the breeding tank. The tank should be dimly lit, with a temperature of around 25-27°C (78-80°F) and a pH of around 6.5-7.0.
5. Trigger breeding behaviour: Neon tetras are egg scatterers, meaning that they release their eggs into the water. To trigger breeding behaviour, raise the temperature of the tank to 28-30°C (82-86°F).
6. Raise the fry: After the eggs have hatched, remove the parents from the breeding tank to prevent them from eating the fry. Feed the fry small amounts of infusoria or commercially available fry food several times a day.

Breeding neon tetras can be challenging, and it may take some trial and error to achieve success. With patience and careful attention, however, you can successfully breed neon tetras and raise healthy, vibrant fry.

Cardinal Tetras

Breeding cardinal tetras is very similar to breeding neon tetras, and all you have to do is follow the same steps. Just make sure to keep the water conditions as stable as possible as Cardinal Tetras are slightly more sensitive to changes in water chemistry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Neon And Cardinal Tetras

Can neon tetras and cardinal tetras be kept together in the same tank?

Yes, neon and cardinal tetras can be kept together in the same tank, as they are both peaceful and have similar requirements for water parameters and tank setup. They also cannot breed with each other.

What size tank is recommended for neon and cardinal tetras?

Neon and cardinal tetras are small fish and do not require a large tank. A 37-litre or 10-gallon tank can accommodate a small school of neon or cardinal tetras, but a larger tank is recommended for larger schools or other tank mates.

What do neon and cardinal tetras eat?

Neon and cardinal tetras are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia.

Do neon and cardinal tetras need a heater in their tank?

Yes, neon and cardinal tetras are tropical fish and require a consistent water temperature between 24-28°C (75-82°F), so a heater is necessary to maintain the correct temperature in their tank.

Can neon and cardinal tetras breed in a home aquarium?

Yes, neon and cardinal tetras can breed in a home aquarium under the right conditions. Provide a separate breeding tank, healthy breeding pairs, and the right conditions to trigger breeding behaviour. They cannot breed with each other though.

Are neon and cardinal tetras susceptible to any diseases?

Yes, neon and cardinal tetras can be susceptible to diseases such as Neon Tetra Disease and fin rot. Maintaining good water quality and providing a healthy diet can help prevent disease in these fish.

How long do neon and cardinal tetras typically live?

Neon and cardinal tetras can live for up to 5 years with proper care and a healthy environment.

Conclusion

Neon and Cardinal tetras are excellent beginner fish for those looking to keep a schooling fish in their aquarium. These fish are easy to care for, peaceful, and have vibrant colours that add a beautiful touch to any tank. They are also relatively hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions, making them a great option for novice aquarists. These fish are so amazing that even an absolute beginner can create a stunning aquarium with these fish.