Many hobbyist fish keepers often look for new ways to make their aquariums more attractive. Many people succeed by using dyes or tints to bring out the colors in some of their favorite fish, like Cardinal tetra. Cardinal tetra is an incredibly colorful species and can be challenging to show off how vibrant they are without some help from a dye or tint.
After researching how to care for cardinal tetras properly, I found that they are one of the easiest fish to keep healthy and colorful! Here are a few tips for how you can achieve this:
- Provide them with an aquarium that has plenty of plants and hiding spots
- Keep their water at a temperature between 68-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Feed them a diet high in protein but low in fat content (for instance, small shrimp).
- Make sure to keep the water clean and change it regularly.
If you are looking to bring out their colors, consider using a dye or tint in your aquarium. I found some of the best products that you can purchase at most pet stores. Just make sure to read on.
What Type Of Fish Is Cardinal Tetra?
Cardinal tetra is a small fish that belongs to the characin family. They are beautiful freshwater fish native to the Amazon River basin in South America. So, they love densely vegetated areas.
Cardinal tetra is schooling fish, so keeping at least six of them in your aquarium is best. They grow to be about two inches long if you keep them in an aquarium with a 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature. These fishes are omnivorous and will eat a variety of food items, including flakes, freeze-dried bloodworms, and live brine shrimp.
How Does Cardinal Tetra Look Like?
Cardinal tetras are vibrant fish with slender and long bodies. The male is colorful with a red-orange line on each side which runs from the gills to the tail fin. Females are smaller and less brightly colored but have two dark bars running along their sides.
Cardinal tetra has a blue and red or orange-colored body with a silver line on its sides. These fish pop out in any tank, making them a popular choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.
How To Bring Out Colors In Cardinal Tetra?
Cardinal tetras are bright, vibrant fish. However, it is common for their colors to fade after a few weeks or months of purchase. Even if you introduce your cardinal tetra into an aquarium that has been running for quite some time now, the beautiful red coloration may not last long. Here’s what you can do to make your cardinal tetra’s color last longer.
Keep Your Tank Clean
Keeping your tank clean is one of the most important things you can do to bring out colors in Cardinal Tetra. They are susceptible fish and will get sick if they swim around in dirty water for too long. It may take a little longer to keep your new tank clean at first, but it’s definitely worth the effort when you start to see your Cardinal Tetras in all their glory.
Feed Them Well
Another important way to bring out colors in Cardinal tetra is to make sure they are well fed. They need a varied diet of meat and vegetable-based foods to stay healthy and colorfully vibrant. If they are not getting the proper nutrients, they will lose their color and may even die.
Keep the Temperature Right
Cardinal Tetra needs a temperature range of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. So make sure you keep your tank at the right temperature so they can live long and healthy lives.
Provide Some Plants
Aquatic plants play an essential role in any aquarium, and they are vital in tanks with fish like the cardinal tetra. Not only do they help to keep the water clean, but they also provide a hiding place for shy fish like Cardinals. When choosing plants for your tank, make sure to pick ones that will grow well in your tank’s temperature and lighting conditions.
Change The Water
Since Cardinal Tetra is such a sensitive fish, it’s essential to change their water regularly. Oxygen levels in the tank will decrease over time, which can impact how well your Cardinals show off their brilliant colors. You should change about 20-25% of the water every week depending on how many fish you have and what filter you are using.
Regularly Visit The Vet
Just like any other pet, your Cardinal Tetra needs veterinary care as well. Make sure you visit a vet regularly to ensure they are healthy and happy. If they stay healthy, it will be easier to bring out the colors.
Are Cardinal Tetras Color Likely To Fade?
The cardinal tetra is one of the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby because they are so colorful. They can be pretty shy when first introduced to a new tank, but with time they will become more comfortable and start to show their unique colors.
One common question people have is whether or not the colors in cardinal tetras are likely to fade. The answer is that it depends on a few factors, such as water quality and diet. In general, though, if you take good care of your cardinal tetras, they should keep their colors for a long time.
But some Cardinal tetra diseases, illnesses, or stress can cause their color to fade. Besides this, you will also notice your Cardinal tetras losing their glow and charm with age. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent this from happening. One of the best ways is to make sure your cardinal tetras get all their nutrients and vitamins by using high-quality fish pellets or flakes for them.
Why Do Cardinal Tetra Loose Their Colors?
There can be several reasons why cardinal tetra loses their colors. The common ones are:
Poor Water Quality
The water quality can be a significant factor in why cardinal tetra loses their colors. If the water is not clean and has a high concentration of dissolved organic matter, it can cause the fish to become stressed. It will result in them losing their color and eventually leading to death.
Inadequate Lighting
Lighting is another essential factor in cardinal tetra colors. If they are not provided with the proper lighting, their color will fade, and they may die from stress. Also, if you have a light fixture that emits ultraviolet radiation, it can cause your fish’s skin to burn, resulting in death or loss of color.
Water Temperature
The water temperature is also another essential factor that affects the cardinal tetra’s color. When the water is too cold, these fishes will become pale, and their colors will dull down. On the other hand, if it gets too hot, the fish may experience a sudden change in their hormones which prevents them from absorbing oxygen properly, resulting in death or other health issues such as fin rot if not treated promptly.
Unbalanced Diet
An unbalanced diet can also be a factor in why cardinal tetra loses their colors. If you fail to give them enough of the right food, they will suffer from malnourishment. And this will show in their appearance.
Lack Of Space And Oxygen
Cardinal tetra can also lose color due to water’s lack of space and oxygen. Keeping these fish in a crowded place will cause them stress. And this may eventually lead to loss of colors or death if untreated.
If you notice that your cardinal tetra is losing its color, make sure that you check all of the above factors and ensure that you fix them immediately.
Conclusion
Overall, you can do a few things to help bring out the colors in your cardinal tetras. First, make sure they have plenty of space to swim and explore. Second, give them a varied diet that includes meaty and plant-based foods. Third, keep the water clean and oxygenated.
And finally, provide some décor or hiding places to help them feel comfortable and secure. By following these tips, you can help your cardinal tetras thrive and bring out their beautiful colors for all to enjoy!
If you’re looking for a fish that is sure to brighten up your tank, look no further than the cardinal tetra. These lovely little fish are famous for their bright red and blue colors, which can add some pizzazz to your tank.
