The Cardinal Tetra has the striking iridescent blue line characteristic of the genus Paracheirodon laterally bisecting the fish, with the body below this line being vivid red in colour, hence the name "cardinal tetra". The cardinal tetra's appearance is similar to that of the closely related neon tetra, with which it is often confused; the neon's red coloration extends only about halfway to the nose, and the neon's blue stripe is a less vibrant blue.

Species – Cardinal Tetra – Paracheirodon axelrodi sp. purple eye

Adult Length – 4cm

Temperature Range – 24 - 27°C

pH Range – 6.0 – 7.5