The Cardinal Tetra, also known as the red and green lamprey, red lotus lamprey, or simply neon lamprey, is a stunning tropical fish that has become increasingly popular among aquarium enthusiasts.

With its vibrant coloration and unique patterns, the Cardinal Tetra is truly a sight to behold.

The body of the Cardinal tetra is covered in a lime green glow, with a bright blue-green band running from the head to the tail. A short red band can be found below the blue-green band on the back half of the body, while the abdomen is silvery white with red and blue bands running throughout.

The result is a bright and gorgeous body color, with an olive green back and a bright blue neon band above the lateral line from the eye to the tailstock.

Above the longitudinal band up to the dorsal side, the color turns from brown to black, while the front of the anal fin is silvery white.

A bright red stripe extends from the posterior center of the body to the caudal peduncle, which refracts light and can appear either green or blue depending on the angle. Overall, the Cardinal Tetra has a metallic sheen that shines in the light and makes it a true spectacle to watch swimming.

The Cardinal Tetra is native to slow-moving rivers in the lower and middle Amazon and eastern Peru, with populations found mainly in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.

It is sometimes referred to as the New Red Lotus Lamprey to distinguish it from the Red Green Lamprey, with which it shares many similarities in size, color, and habitat.

Breeding Cardinal Tetra can be a rewarding experience for aquarium enthusiasts. When the abdomen of the female is enlarged, select vigorous males for mating and place them in the aquarium at dusk.

It is important to keep them in the shade and provide shading when the light is too strong. They typically spawn in the morning, with each female laying about 1.2 million eggs that hatch in 24 hours.

Juveniles grow very quickly and can reach sexual maturity in about five months. They are able to reproduce several times a year and do not have excessive food requirements.

The Cardinal Tetra is a gentle fish that likes to swim in groups and can be mixed with other small tropical fish that have a gentle nature. They are well adapted to old, weakly acidic water and will readily eat animal feed.

In addition to its visual appeal, the neon fatty carp also has an interesting reproductive behavior. The males compete for the attention of the females, often engaging in colorful displays to attract a mate.

Once the eggs are fertilized, the females lay an enormous number of eggs that hatch into rapidly growing juveniles.

The Cardinal Tetra is a popular aquarium fish due to its vibrant colors and ease of care. However, it is important to note that this species is not native to all regions and may be considered an invasive species if released into the wild.

Therefore, responsible ownership and disposal of the fish are crucial to prevent harm to natural ecosystems.

The Cardinal Tetra is a fascinating species that is beloved by many aquarium enthusiasts. Its striking appearance and interesting behavior make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced fishkeepers alike.