Head to head
Cardinal Tetra vs Neon Tetra
The cardinal tetra and the neon tetra are close relatives in the same genus, so similar in appearance that new aquarium keepers regularly confuse them, though a careful look at the red stripe running down each fish settles the question immediately.
| Cardinal Tetra | Neon Tetra | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Paracheirodon axelrodi | Paracheirodon innesi |
| Red stripe | Runs the entire length of the body | Covers only the back half of the body |
| Size | Slightly larger | Slightly smaller |
| Native range | Rio Negro and Orinoco | Upper Amazon |
| Disease resistance | More resistant to neon tetra disease | More prone to neon tetra disease |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Social structure | Strict schooling fish | Strict schooling fish |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Cardinal Tetra vs Neon Tetra: common questions
How can you tell a cardinal tetra from a neon tetra?
Look at the red stripe: on a cardinal tetra it runs the entire length of the body from gills to tail, while on a neon tetra it only covers the back half, with the front half remaining silvery-blue.
Which is hardier, the cardinal tetra or the neon tetra?
The cardinal tetra is generally considered a bit hardier and more resistant to a common tetra disease, while the neon tetra is somewhat more prone to it.
Do the cardinal tetra and neon tetra come from the same part of the Amazon?
Not exactly; the cardinal tetra comes mainly from the Rio Negro and Orinoco, while the neon tetra is native to the upper Amazon, different though overlapping regions of the same river system.