Overview

A South American tetra with a blue stripe and red colour extending along most of the body. Adults reach about 4–5cm; large sale grade still requires a full shoal.

Scientific name: Paracheirodon axelrodi

Behaviour

Keep ten or more. They are peaceful midwater shoaling fish and settle better with vegetation and shaded edges.

Tank Size

Our recommended minimum is 80 litres with an 80 × 30cm base for a shoal; 100 litres or more is preferable for a community. Provide open length for group swimming.

These are adult housing recommendations; choose more space when adding tank mates. Allow for space occupied by substrate and décor when comparing aquarium capacities.

Compatibility

Peaceful warm-water species work best. Choose suitably warm-kept Corydoras or small rasboras; avoid large predators and hard-water mollies where water needs conflict.

Diet

Feed fine tropical flakes or micro-pellets and small frozen daphnia or brine shrimp. Give measured portions once or twice daily.

Care

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 5.0–7.0
• General hardness: 1–8 dGH

Use a mature, stable aquarium and gentle to moderate flow. In hard tap water, check suitability before purchase; changing pH alone does not remove hardness. Keep water changes consistent rather than making abrupt chemistry adjustments.

Add only to a fully cycled aquarium. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0mg/l. Start with a 25–30% weekly water change using dechlorinated, temperature-matched water and adjust to test results and stocking. Rinse biological filter media in removed aquarium water rather than under the tap.

Live Animals Are Click and Collect Only. You can order online, choose click and collect, and we will hold your order for collection in store.