Cardinal vs Neon Tetra: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Introduction

Cardinal tetras and neon tetras are two of the most popular schooling fish kept in freshwater aquariums. Both species are vibrant and colorful, making them a beautiful addition to any tank. However, there are some key differences between the two species that hobbyists should be aware of before making a decision about which one to add to their aquarium.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Neon tetras are typically smaller than cardinal tetras, with adults reaching an average length of about 1.5 inches, while cardinal tetras can grow up to 2 inches in length.
• Coloration: Both species are known for their bright and vibrant colors. Neon tetras have a neon blue stripe running along their body, while cardinal tetras have a red stripe.
• Shape: Neon tetras have a more elongated and slender body shape than cardinal tetras, which have a more rounded and stockier body shape.

Temperament and Behavior

• Temperament: Both species are peaceful and schooling fish that make excellent additions to community tanks. They are both active and playful, and they enjoy swimming in groups.
• Behavior: Neon tetras are more active than cardinal tetras, and they are often seen swimming around the tank in search of food. Cardinal tetras are more laid-back, and they are often found resting on plants or swimming in the middle of the tank.

Water Parameters

• pH: Cardinal tetras prefer water with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, while neon tetras prefer water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
• Hardness: Cardinal tetras prefer water with a hardness of 5 to 10 dH, while neon tetras prefer water with a hardness of 8 to 12 dH.
• Temperature: Both species prefer water with a temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

** Diet and Feeding**

• Diet: Both species are omnivores that eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and prepared foods.
• Feeding frequency: Cardinal tetras and neon tetras should be fed 2-3 times per day.

Breeding

• Breeding difficulty: Cardinal tetras are more difficult to breed than neon tetras.
• Egg laying: Cardinal tetras lay their eggs on plants, while neon tetras lay their eggs on the bottom of the tank.
• Fry care: Cardinal tetra fry are more sensitive to water conditions than neon tetra fry, and they require more care.

Aquarium Size and Setup

• Minimum tank size: A 10-gallon tank is the minimum size recommended for cardinal tetras, while a 5-gallon tank is the minimum size recommended for neon tetras.
• Substrate: Both species prefer a sandy or gravel substrate.
• Plants: Both species appreciate live plants, which provide them with hiding places and a sense of security.

Cost

• Cardinal tetras: Cardinal tetras typically cost between $3 and $5 each.
• Neon tetras: Neon tetras typically cost between $1 and $2 each.

Lifespan

• Cardinal tetras: Cardinal tetras have a lifespan of about 3-5 years.
• Neon tetras: Neon tetras have a lifespan of about 2-3 years.

Additional Information

• Popularity: Cardinal tetras are more popular than neon tetras among freshwater aquarium hobbyists.
• Availability: Both species are widely available at most pet stores and online retailers.
• Compatibility: Cardinal tetras and neon tetras are compatible with each other, as well as with other peaceful community fish.

Tips and Tricks

• To keep cardinal tetras and neon tetras healthy, it is important to provide them with a clean and well-maintained aquarium.
• Both species appreciate a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places.
• Cardinal tetras and neon tetras are both schooling fish, so it is important to keep them in groups of at least 6-8 individuals.
• Avoid overfeeding cardinal tetras and neon tetras, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not keep cardinal tetras and neon tetras in an aquarium that is too small. The minimum tank size for cardinal tetras is 10 gallons, and the minimum tank size for neon tetras is 5 gallons.
• Do not overstock your aquarium with cardinal tetras and neon tetras. A good rule of thumb is to keep no more than 1 inch of fish per gallon of water.
• Do not keep cardinal tetras and neon tetras in water that is not the correct pH, hardness, or temperature. Both species require specific water parameters in order to thrive.
• Do not overfeed cardinal tetras and neon tetras. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a cardinal tetra and a neon tetra? The main difference between a cardinal tetra and a neon tetra is their coloration. Cardinal tetras have a red stripe running along their body, while neon tetras have a neon blue stripe running along their body.
2. Are cardinal tetras and neon tetras compatible with each other? Yes, cardinal tetras and neon tetras are compatible with each other, as well as with other peaceful community fish.
3. How big of a tank do I need for cardinal tetras or neon tetras? For cardinal tetras, you will need a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size. For neon tetras, you will need a tank that is at least 5 gallons in size.
4. What is the ideal pH, hardness, and temperature for cardinal tetras and neon tetras? The ideal pH for cardinal tetras and neon tetras is between 6.0 and 7.5. The ideal hardness for cardinal tetras is between 5 and 10 dH, and the ideal hardness for neon tetras is between 8 and 12 dH. The ideal temperature for both species is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. How often should I feed cardinal tetras and neon tetras? Cardinal tetras and neon tetras should be fed 2-3 times per day.
6. How long do cardinal tetras and neon tetras live? Cardinal tetras have a lifespan of about 3-5 years, and neon tetras have a lifespan of about 2-3 years.

Stories and What We Learn

1. Story 1: A hobbyist kept a group of cardinal tetras in a 10-gallon tank. The tank was well-planted and provided the tetras with plenty of hiding places. The hobbyist fed the tetras a varied diet of live, frozen, and prepared foods. The tetras thrived in their aquarium and lived for several years.
   * What we learn: Cardinal tetras are hardy fish that are easy to care for. They are a good choice for beginner hobbyists.

2. Story 2: A hobbyist kept a group of neon tetras in a 5-gallon tank. The tank was not well-planted and did not provide the tetras with enough hiding places. The hobbyist fed the tetras a diet of only prepared foods. The tetras did not thrive in their aquarium and died within a few months.
   * What we learn: Neon tetras are more delicate than cardinal tetras and require more care. They need a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places, and they need to be fed a varied diet of live, frozen, and prepared foods.

3. Story 3: A hobbyist kept a group of cardinal tetras and neon tetras in a 20-gallon tank. The tank was well-planted and provided the fish with plenty of hiding places. The hobbyist fed the fish a varied diet of live, frozen, and prepared foods. The fish thrived in their aquarium and lived for several years.
   * What we learn: Cardinal tetras and neon tetras are compatible with each other and can be kept together in the same aquarium. They both require similar water parameters and care.

Conclusion

Cardinal tetras and neon tetras are both beautiful and popular schooling fish that make excellent additions to freshwater aquariums. While there are some key differences between the two species, they are both relatively easy to care for and can be enjoyed by hobbyists of all experience levels.