{"product_id":"gold-tetra-2-25cm-for-sale-uk","title":"Cheirodon axelrodi gold 2 - 2, (Paracheirodon axelrodi)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eGold Tetra\u003c\/strong\u003e variant of \u003cem\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as Cheirodon axelrodi gold, is a stunning, selectively bred form of the classic Cardinal Tetra. Native to the blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins, this small, peaceful species is celebrated for its shimmering golden coloration and schooling behavior. Available for sale UK-wide, the Gold Cardinal Tetra thrives in soft, warm, well-planted aquariums and is a captivating choice for aquarists seeking a unique, colorful centerpiece species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 2.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 23-27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.5-7.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Coloration\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gold Cardinal Tetra displays a brilliant golden to yellow body with iridescent highlights, replacing the classic electric blue stripe of standard Cardinal Tetras. The lower body retains a rich red to orange hue, creating a striking contrast. This compact, streamlined species has large, expressive eyes and delicate, translucent fins. The golden coloration is most intense in well-conditioned individuals kept in optimal water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi inhabits blackwater and clearwater tributaries of the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro basins in South America. These habitats feature soft, acidic water stained by tannins from decaying organic matter, dense vegetation, and subdued lighting beneath forest canopy. The fish form large schools in the wild, sheltering among plants and submerged roots while foraging for small invertebrates and zooplankton.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum 40-litre aquarium is suitable for a small school of Gold Cardinal Tetras, though larger tanks are preferred for stability and larger groups. Provide dense planting using species like Amazon Sword, Cryptocoryne, or Java Fern, combined with driftwood and leaf litter to replicate blackwater conditions. Subdued lighting reduces stress and enhances coloration. Gentle filtration maintains water quality without creating excessive current, as this species prefers calm water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain soft, acidic water with pH 4.5-7.0 and temperatures between 23-27°C. General hardness (GH) should be low, ideally 1-5 dGH. The Gold Cardinal Tetra is sensitive to hard, alkaline water and performs best in mature, well-established aquariums with stable parameters. Use peat filtration, Indian almond leaves, or blackwater extracts to replicate natural conditions. Perform weekly water changes of 15-20% to control nitrate while maintaining stable chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Diet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParacheirodon axelrodi is an omnivore that thrives on small live and frozen foods. Offer quality micro-pellets or flakes as a staple, supplemented with frozen or live daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and micro-worms. Occasional plant-based matter or spirulina-based foods provide balanced nutrition. Feed small portions 1-2 times daily, ensuring food is consumed promptly to prevent water quality degradation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is a schooling fish and should not be kept singly or in small groups. Maintain at least 10-12 individuals to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Personality\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gold Cardinal Tetra is a peaceful, shy schooling fish that thrives in groups. Shoaling behavior is most pronounced in larger schools, with fish moving together in synchronized, shimmering patterns. This species occupies the mid to upper water column and is most active during feeding times. While gentle and non-aggressive, it can be easily stressed by sudden movements, bright lighting, or aggressive tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal tank mates include other small peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus, and small peaceful invertebrates. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping barbs, large loaches, and any fish large enough to eat them. The Gold Cardinal Tetra is best suited to peaceful, soft-water community aquariums with similarly sized, gentle species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding is possible in very soft, acidic water with subdued lighting and fine-leaved spawning media. Condition adults with live foods, then introduce a pair or small group to a separate breeding tank with pH 5.0-6.0 and GH below 2 dGH. Spawning typically occurs in the early morning. Remove adults immediately after spawning, as eggs are not guarded and may be eaten. Fry hatch in 24-48 hours and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, graduating to baby brine shrimp as they grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is your trusted source for rare and specialty tetras, including the stunning Gold Cardinal Tetra. Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and acclimatized to UK water conditions before dispatch. We provide expert guidance on soft-water tank setup, water chemistry, and compatible stocking to help you create a thriving blackwater aquarium. With fast, reliable delivery across the UK and a passion for quality fishkeeping, Tropical Fish Co is your premier destination for unique and beautiful freshwater fish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"2 - 2,5 cm","offer_id":57427499614543,"sku":"2228","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 - 5 cm","offer_id":57456884023631,"sku":"KH98","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"2,5 - 3 cm","offer_id":57456884056399,"sku":"2237","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/cheirodon-axelrodi-gold-2-2-paracheirodon-axelrodi-2-25-hero-driftwood-2228.webp?v=1776549148","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/gold-tetra-2-25cm-for-sale-uk","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}