Scarlet characin (Paracheirodon axelrodi)

Family: Characidae

Scarlet characin — a Characidae from Orinoco basin, South America, 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: Orinoco basin, South America

Species overview

Paracheirodon axelrodi is a Characidae from Orinoco basin, South America. In the wild it prefers blackwater streams and flooded forest; in the aquarium it stays peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Plan on 2.2–3.3 cm of adult fish at 23–27 °C. Related profiles: Paracheirodon innesi, Paracheirodon simulans.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Scarlet characin easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks. Shoaling; 8–10+ unlocks full colour and calm.

What temperature and water chemistry does Scarlet characin need?

Aim for 23–27 °C. Heater for stable tropical warmth; 23–27 °C recorded range.

How big does Scarlet characin get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 2.2–3.3 cm; it is middle of the water column. Plan for at least 25 litres.

What does Scarlet characin eat?

Unfussy; a varied small diet preserves colour. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Scarlet characin live with other fish?

Yes, with care. Peaceful but shy in bare or bright tanks — pair it with Small Corydoras — Share the lower water peacefully and skip Large or predatory fish — Tetras are snacks.

Where does Scarlet characin come from?

Comes from Orinoco basin, South America: blackwater streams and flooded forest. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Scarlet characin jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Scarlet characin breed?

In the aquarium: scatters eggs among plants; light-proof the setup or add mops. Subtle; females fuller-bodied.