Cardinal Tetras

[morgan]

Hi, my husband bought me 10 Cardinal Tetras for a Xmas present (I know!) . I have told him it wasn't a very good idea (not wanting to seem ungrateful or start a row on Xmas day!)Normally I would research a fish before buying. I have searched Google today and it says they are at risk for the first 3 weeks then after that they are quite hardy. I could not find any info on whether they are fin nippers or not. My other fish which will be moved into the same tank are Mollies (some have big dorsal fins and some have lyre tails) I also have a Common Pleco who has a very large dorsal fin. I also read to my horror that some fish will peck out the Pleco's eyes, I hope these would not do that.Not that they will get the chance if I know. I do not expect an answer soon but any info would be appreciated. Hope you all had a nice Xmas or whatever you celebrate. They do seem like peaceful fish but you can never tell!

 

[love_fish]

I have cardinal tetras in my tank (in sig). They are very peaceful. You dont have anything to worry about IMO.

 

[Weaver]

Never seen any of mine nip or act aggressively in any way--so no row needed!

 

[morgan]

Thanks for the replies, I feel reassured now! They look peaceful and somewhat lost in a 300litre tank. They won't be on their own for long now I know they are ok. I can't remember which fish pecked a pleco's eyes but I think it was probably something I wouldn't buy anyway or I would have written it down (bad memory!). I read they grow to 2.8" is that true in your experience?

 

[Weaver]

I bought mine as fully grown as I figured they would be hardier than the younger ones.Mine are about 2".I had read up a bit about them and know they dont like a high ph.I did lose 3 in the first fortnight but thankfully the rest are thriving.
Beautiful fish and a nice shoaler.Enjoy

 

[morgan]

Thanks. They seem to be happy, they are not sticking to being in a shoal all the time,occasionally a brave one wanders off. I have had Neons before but I think these are prettier. My ph is quite high 7 - 7.5. This is why you never buy fish without reading up about them first!

 

[ARXC08]

I wouldn't say they nip other fish's fins but i have noticed one of my cardinals fins is really torn up, i believe that the other cardinal pick on that one.

 

[IMCL85]

Yea I notice mine also nipping other fin as usuall. They always fight with each other . But dont they aren't like bar so they wouldn't beat the all thing, probably just a little nip but as long u keep ur water at a superb lvl it wouldn't cause much problem it grew back fairly fast .