Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
cardinal tetra

cardinal tetra

8.4
A small bright freshwater fish with red and blue stripes
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑrdɪnəl ˈtɛtrə/
translation icon : tetra cardenal
  • We observed a school of cardinal tetras swimming gracefully under the aquarium light.

Examples

  • The vivid colors of the cardinal tetra make it a favorite among fish enthusiasts.

  • Many aquarists love keeping cardinal tetras in their tanks.

  • I added a new cardinal tetra to my aquarium last week.

  • The cardinal tetra is known for its vibrant colors.

  • The vivid colors of the cardinal tetra make it a favorite among fish enthusiasts.

  • Many aquarists love keeping cardinal tetras in their tanks.

  • I added a new cardinal tetra to my aquarium last week.

Synonyms

tetra
vscardinal tetra
1 7.4

A small bright tropical freshwater fish often kept in home aquariums

is the specific species with vivid red and blue stripes from Brazil and Colombia
Paracheirodon axelrodi
vscardinal tetra
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bright freshwater fish with red and blue stripes kept in fish tanks

is the common aquarium name rather than the scientific label

Surface Forms

cardinal tetra singular
cardinal tetras plural

Morphology

cardinal + tetra

This is a straightforward noun–noun compound: 'cardinal' specifies a deep red color and 'tetra' names a small freshwater fish, so the phrase refers to a tetra with cardinal (red) colouring. The meaning is directly compositional and follows common species-naming patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The fish cardinal tetra takes its name from its bright red stripe: cardinal refers to the strong red color, like a cardinal bird's red robe, and tetra is the common name for this small group of aquarium fish. So the name fits because it describes a 'small, brightly colored' aquarium fish.