Albino Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) – A Complete Care Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts

Characteristics

The Albino Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a rare and stunning variant of the classic Cardinal Tetra, featuring pale pinkish-white coloration with red hues and translucent fins. This unique albino morph retains the peaceful schooling nature and vibrant energy of its standard counterpart, making it a great addition to planted community tanks.

• Scientific Name: Paracheirodon axelrodi
• Common Name: Albino Cardinal Tetra
• Origin: Amazon Basin (Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia)
• Behavior: Peaceful, social, and schooling
• Tank Preferences: Prefers planted aquariums with soft, slightly acidic water
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 4.5 – 7.0
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately soft
  • Temperature: 23°C – 28°C (73°F – 82°F)
• Care Difficulty: Moderate, requiring stable water conditions.

Origin and Distribution

Albino Cardinal Tetras are captive-bred variants of the wild Cardinal Tetra, which is found in slow-moving blackwater rivers, tributaries, and flooded forest areas of the Amazon Basin. In the wild, their natural environment is dimly lit, soft-water habitats with dense vegetation and leaf litter.

Colors and Markings

• Albino coloration replaces the traditional iridescent blue stripe with a pale white or pinkish shimmer.
• The red coloration on the lower half remains but may appear fainter than in standard Cardinals.
• Translucent fins, often with a golden or pink hue.
• Red or pinkish eyes, typical of albino genetic traits.

Tankmates and Compatibility

Albino Cardinal Tetras are peaceful schooling fish, ideal for nano and community aquariums. Suitable tankmates include:

• Other small, peaceful tetras (Neon Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Ember Tetras).
• Corydoras Catfish (Pygmy Cory, Panda Cory).
• Small Rasboras (Chili Rasboras, Harlequin Rasboras).
• Dwarf Gouramis, Honey Gouramis.
• Shrimp and Snails (Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, Nerite Snails).

Avoid keeping them with:

• Large or aggressive fish (Angelfish, Cichlids, Tiger Barbs).
• Fin-nipping species (Serpae Tetras, some Barbs).

Care Requirements

To keep Albino Cardinal Tetras healthy and vibrant:

• Tank size: 10 gallons minimum, but 20+ gallons is ideal for a larger school.
• Schooling fish: Keep them in groups of at least 8-10 for comfort and natural behavior.
• Densely planted aquariums with floating plants (Amazon Frogbit, Salvinia) and fine-leaved plants (Java Moss, Vallisneria, Anubias).
• Use driftwood and leaf litter to replicate their natural blackwater habitat.
• Gentle water flow, as they originate from slow-moving waters.
• Dim to moderate lighting, enhancing their subtle coloration.
• Regular water changes (20-30% per week) to maintain stable conditions.

Diet and Feeding

Albino Cardinal Tetras are micro-predators that thrive on a varied diet:

• High-quality micro-pellets and flakes (color-enhancing formulas recommended).
• Live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).
• Freeze-dried tubifex worms as an occasional treat.
• Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) for fiber intake.

Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes.

Gender Differences

• Males: Slightly slimmer and more colorful.
• Females: Slightly rounder belly, especially when carrying eggs.

Breeding Albino Cardinal Tetras

Breeding Paracheirodon axelrodi in captivity is challenging but possible:

• Set up a separate breeding tank (10-15 gallons) with soft, acidic water (pH 5.0 – 6.0, temperature 26°C – 27°C).
• Provide dim lighting and fine-leaved plants (Java Moss, spawning mops) for egg deposition.
• Condition breeding pairs with a diet rich in live and frozen foods.
• Egg scatterers: Parents will scatter hundreds of tiny eggs, which should be protected from light exposure (use a dark tank cover).
• Remove parents after spawning, as they do not provide parental care.
• Eggs hatch in 24-48 hours, and fry become free-swimming within 4-5 days.
• Fry should be fed infusoria, powdered fry food, and later baby brine shrimp.

Common Health Issues

Albino Cardinal Tetras are sensitive to unstable water conditions. Potential health concerns include:

• Ich (White Spot Disease) – Treated with aquarium salt and temperature increase.
• Fin Rot and Fungal Infections – Caused by poor water quality; requires antibacterial or antifungal treatment.
• Stress-related illnesses – Prevented by keeping them in proper school sizes and maintaining stable conditions.

To prevent illness, maintain soft, clean water with minimal fluctuations in parameters.

Additional Resources

For more information on tetra care and breeding, check out:

• The Tetra Handbook by David Alderton
• Aquarium forums like Fishlore and Tropical Fish Keeping
• YouTube channels such as Aquarium Co-Op and MD Fish Tanks

Final Thoughts

The Albino Cardinal Tetra is a unique, peaceful, and visually captivating fish, making it a standout in community aquariums. Their delicate coloration, shimmering albino traits, and gentle schooling behavior make them a rare gem among freshwater fish keepers. With proper care, they can live 3-5 years.