Often confused with the Neon Tetra, Cardinal Tetras are named for the vivid red coloration on their bodies. These fish exhibit an iridescent blue line running horizontally along the body from the eye to the base of the caudal fin. Below this line, the bodies of these fish take on a vivid red color which extends all the way from the nose to the tail. Cardinal Tetras are native to the Rio orinoco and Rio Negro regions in Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela. These fish tend to inhabit forested areas as well as slow-moving blackwaters. Most of the specimens available in the aquarium hobby are wild-caught, but tank-bred species are slowly becoming more prevalent.