Albino Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
Description
The Albino Cardinal Tetra is a captivating, color morph of the popular Cardinal Tetra, known for its brilliant red and white coloration. Unlike the wild-type Cardinal Tetra, which has a bright blue stripe running from the eyes to the tail, the Albino Cardinal Tetra lacks the typical blue coloration and instead displays a soft, translucent white body. The vibrant red coloration extends along the body, primarily from the middle of the fish to the tail, making them visually striking in a well-lit aquarium. These fish have small, slender bodies and large eyes, typical of the tetra family.
Habitat Origin
Native to the slow-moving, clear waters of the Rio Negro and Orinoco river basins in the Amazon Rainforest, South America. The natural habitat of the Cardinal Tetra includes dark, tannin-stained waters with lots of submerged plants, branches, and leaves that provide cover and hiding spots. The Albino variant is typically bred in captivity, but its natural habitat conditions are similar to those of the wild-type.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Albino Cardinal Tetras are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods. They can be fed high-quality flake food, micro pellets, and live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They will also graze on algae and small plant matter in the aquarium. A varied diet helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration.
Behavior:
Like other tetras, the Albino Cardinal Tetra is peaceful, social, and active. These fish thrive in schools, and their natural schooling behavior is a highlight in a well-maintained aquarium. They are typically found in the middle to upper regions of the tank, swimming gracefully in groups. Although they are non-aggressive, they can be a little shy when kept alone or in small numbers, which is why it is essential to house them in schools to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. They are generally calm and will not disturb other tankmates but may shy away from larger or more boisterous fish.
Special Care:
While the Albino Cardinal Tetra is relatively easy to care for, it thrives in stable water conditions. Regular water changes, good filtration, and monitoring of water parameters are essential for maintaining a healthy environment. They do best in slightly acidic to neutral water and prefer aquariums with soft to medium hardness. Providing a tank with plants, driftwood, and other hiding places will help mimic their natural environment and allow them to feel secure. Although they are hardy, keeping them in stable and clean water is crucial to prevent stress and maintain their vivid coloration.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, the Albino Cardinal Tetra is highly compatible with many other peaceful species. They are perfect for community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish, such as other tetras, rasboras, small cichlids, and catfish. They can also coexist with snails and shrimp. However, it is best to avoid keeping them with larger, more aggressive species that may intimidate or prey on them. Due to their peaceful nature, they thrive in aquariums with other small, peaceful fish that occupy different areas of the tank.
Breeding Tank Setup
Setting up a dedicated breeding tank is highly recommended for Albino Cardinal Tetras to manage water conditions effectively and protect eggs and fry from predation. A tank of around 40 liters (10 gallons) is ideal, providing sufficient space for a breeding group and ease of maintenance. Optimal water parameters include slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 6.0–7.0), soft water (4–8 dGH), and stable temperatures between 24°C and 28°C (75°F–82°F). A gentle filtration system, like a sponge or low-flow internal filter, is essential to maintain clean water without creating strong currents. A fine substrate of sand or smooth gravel, complemented by plants like Java moss, Hornwort, Anubias, and floating plants such as duckweed or water sprite, provides suitable surfaces for egg deposition and creates shaded, secure areas. Moderate lighting that mimics their naturally dim habitats is best to avoid unnecessary stress.
Conditioning for Breeding
Conditioning Albino Cardinal Tetras involves providing a high-quality, protein-rich diet to stimulate breeding readiness. Feed them tetra-specific pellets along with live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and frozen mysis shrimp. Such a varied and nutritious diet ensures that both males and females are healthy and well-prepared for spawning. Performing regular weekly water changes of approximately 25% keeps water quality pristine, promoting overall health and reproductive activity.
Spawning Process
Albino Cardinal Tetras exhibit egg-scattering spawning behavior, with males courting females through vibrant color displays and chasing activities. Females scatter 30–100 sticky eggs onto surfaces such as plants, rocks, or aquarium walls, which the males immediately fertilize. After spawning, it’s crucial to promptly remove adult fish, as Cardinal Tetras are known to consume their own eggs. Removing adults enhances the eggs’ survival rates and supports successful hatching.
Fry Care
Eggs typically hatch within 24–48 hours, depending on water temperature. Newly hatched fry initially feed on their yolk sacs until becoming free-swimming. Once active swimmers, the fry should be offered microscopic foods such as infusoria, liquid fry food, or microscopic algae. After several days, introduce baby brine shrimp or similarly sized live foods, gradually transitioning to finely crushed flakes or specialized pellets as the fry mature. To support optimal growth and survival, perform small daily water changes (about 10–15%), maintaining stable temperatures (24°C–28°C) and carefully monitoring water parameters to keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels safe.
Important Breeding Notes
Albino Cardinal Tetras reach breeding maturity at about 6–12 months of age. Ensuring they are fully mature before breeding significantly increases spawning success. Distinguishing sexes is relatively straightforward: males appear slimmer with more vibrant colors, especially evident during breeding activities, while females are typically larger, rounder, and visibly fuller when carrying eggs. Reducing stress by maintaining stable water conditions, providing sufficient hiding spots, and avoiding aggressive tankmates or sudden environmental changes is crucial. A calm and controlled environment encourages successful breeding outcomes and minimizes egg loss.