Yellowstriped Cardinalfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
The Yellowstriped Cardinalfish is an attractive schooling species best kept in groups of three or more. In large aquaria, schools of a dozen or more cardinals of the same species make a fascinating display. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This is a commendably hardy and brightly colored cardinalfish that is regularly found in groups in the wild, hovering over or amid the tentacles of certain sea anemones or the spines of sea urchins.
Family: Apogonidae
Other common name(s):
- Orangestriped Cardinalfish
Native range:
- Indo-Pacific
- Red Sea
- Mozambique
- Fiji
- Ryukyu Islands
- Bonin Islands
- New Caledonia
- Tonga
Habitat: Reef. Provide numerous hiding places. The invertebrates that often serve as wild hosts (sea anemones and sea urchins) can be more difficult to keep in captivity.
Maximum length: 7.9 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Mid-level.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Feed meaty foods, including enriched brine shrimp, mysid shrimp and squid at least twice a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
More than one Yellowstriped Cardinalfish can be housed together—this is a nice way to replicate their natural shoaling instincts. However, if crowded in too small a space, they may quarrel. To keep a small group, add all individuals (preferably an odd number) simultaneously to a larger tank with plenty of hiding places. This cardinalfish can be kept with a wide array of other fish species and invertebrates, although it may be tempted to dine on tiny, delicate ornamental targets, such as the anemone shrimps (Periclimenes spp.)
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Mouthbrooders - demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that protect their eggs and, in some cases, their fry, in the buccal cavity of one parent, often the male. It has been successfully bred in captivity.
[edit] Notes
While many cardinalfishes are nocturnal, this species will spend its daylight hours at the entrance of a cave or crevice.
| Common name | Yellowstriped Cardinalfish +, and Orangestriped Cardinalfish + |
| Family | Apogonidae + |
| Genus | Apogon + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 20 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, Red Sea +, Mozambique +, Fiji +, Ryukyu Islands +, Bonin Islands +, New Caledonia +, and Tonga + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | cyanosoma + |
| Swimming level | Mid-level. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |