Cardinal tetra and neon tetra are similar in appearance and are often confused with each other. However, there is one very easily identifiable difference. In the Cardinal Tetra, the red stripe on the lower half of the body extends the full length of the fish from the eye area to the tail. In the Neon Tetra, the red stripe starts at mid-body, roughly below the dorsal fin, and extends to the tail.
Other differences between neon tetra and cardinal tetras include coloration and eating habits. The Cardinal Tetra has a silver body with a dark line extending from its gills back to its tail, and a red stripe on the lower half of its body.
The Neon Tetra has a black body with bright blue horizontal stripes. Both types will eat flake foods as well as small live foods, such as brine shrimp or daphnia.
Read on to find out more about Neon Tetra vs Cardinal Tetra.
Neon Tetras
They are not as brightly colored as Cardinal Tetras. They are mostly black with blue horizontal stripes on the body. Originating in South American rivers, Neon tetras are an extremely popular aquarium fish because of their beautiful coloration. They will happily swim around all types of community tanks and will even school with other species of similar size.
Habitat
Neon tetras are from the Amazon River basin in South America and prefer temperatures of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit. They do best in soft water with neutral pH, but will tolerate more alkaline or acidic conditions as well. In addition to a tank, provide live plants and driftwood for hiding places.
Social Behavior
Neon tetras are peaceful, schooling fish that can be kept with any peaceful community fish of similar size. Males may become aggressive towards each other in small quarters so provide at least 20 gallons per neon tetra.
Diet and Feeding
Neon tetras are omnivores that feed mostly at night. Provide high-quality flake food as well as regular feedings of live foods such as brine shrimp.
Breeding
Males are slimmer and have more pointed dorsal fins than females. Neon tetras are easy to breed in the aquarium if you provide them with plenty of live food, soft water, and a breeding tank with dim lighting.
Cardinal Tetras
They are mostly black with a red stripe on the lower half of their body. Originating in South American rivers, Cardinal tetras are an extremely popular aquarium fish because of their beautiful coloration and because they school together well. They will happily swim around all types of community tanks and will even school with other species of similar size.
Habitat
Cardinal tetras originate from South America. They prefer temperatures of 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit and soft water with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. In addition to a tank, provide live plants and driftwood for hiding places.
Social Behavior
Cardinal tetras are peaceful, schooling fish that can be kept with any peaceful community fish of similar size. Males may become aggressive towards each other in small quarters so provide at least 20 gallons per cardinal tetra.
Diet and Feeding
Cardinal tetras are omnivores that feed mostly at night. In the aquarium, provide high-quality flake food as well as regular feedings of live foods such as brine shrimp.
Breeding
Males are slimmer and have more pointed dorsal fins than females. Cardinal tetras are easy to breed in the aquarium if you provide them with plenty of live food, soft water, and a breeding tank with dim lighting.
Main Differences between Neon Tetras and Cardinal Tetras
The main difference between neon tetra vs cardinal tetra is the red stripe which runs from mid-body downwards to the tail in Cardinal Tetras. In Neon tetras, the red stripe starts at mid-body, roughly below the dorsal fin, and extends to the tail. Additionally, there are also some other differences such as coloring and eating habits.
Both Neon tetra vs cardinal tetras can be kept together. They are peaceful fish that prefer soft water and neutral pH levels. Additionally, they will also school with other types of fish that are of similar size.
Conclusion
Neon and Cardinal Tetras are similar in appearance, often confused with each other. However, there is one very easily identifiable difference. In the Cardinal Tetra, the red stripe on the lower half of their body extends to the tail while in Neon tetras it starts at the mid-body roughly below the dorsal fin then extends to the tail.
Additionally, there are also some differences such as coloring and eating habits between both types of fish which vary depending on what type they are (Neon or Cardinal).
If you’re looking for a beautiful schooling fish that will school well with any peaceful community tank mates who prefer soft water and neutral pH levels then either Neon or Cardinal tetras may be perfect for your aquarium!
Jenn Frazier
Aquarist & Writer 22+ Years