Scarlet characin — a Characidae from 南美洲及菲律宾, peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Reaches 2.2–3.3 cm; shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. 23–27 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–27 °C
pH
4–6
GH hardness
5–12 dGH
Adult length
2.2–3.3 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks
Origin
南美洲及菲律宾
Species overview
Paracheirodon axelrodi, a member of the family Characidae, is native to 南美洲及菲律宾. Its colours are honest signalling: pale, scattered fish are telling you something is wrong. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 2.2–3.3 cm. Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm. Keep a proper school, dim the glare, and feed small foods several times a day. Maintain 23–27 °C at pH 4–6. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Blackwater streams and flooded forest
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Dark sand and leaf litter
Hardscape
Driftwood and dense plant edges
Plants
Floating and shaded plants appreciated
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm
Diet
Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour
Recommended tankmates
Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully
Avoid keeping with
Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method
Scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops