Ostorhinchus margaritophorus
| Latin name | Ostorhinchus margaritophorus - (Bleeker, 1855) |
|---|---|
| Local name | Red-striped cardinalfish |
| Family | Apogonidae - Ostorhinchus |
| Origin | Australia, Indonesia |
| Max length | 7 cm (2.8") |
| Minimum volume |
100 l (26 gal) 
|
|---|---|
| Hardiness |
Delicate
|
| Suitable for aquarium |
Suitable for most aquarium
|
| Reef safe |
Always reef safe
|
| Aggressiveness | Docile |
| Recommended |
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...) Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...) |
|---|
This species is very sensitive during transportation and acclimatizing into the aquarium.
This fish can live on their own or in a group.
This species, on occasion, likes to hide in the spines of Diadema sea urchins.
This species requires places to hide, especially when newly introduced into the aquarium.
This species is very shy and docile, so one should be careful when keeping it with more aggressive fish.
Species are sometimes reclassified. This species was formerly classified as a member of the Apogon genus.
Cardinalfish come in many different shapes and colours, generally they are well suited for aquaria.
Cardinalfish have a large mouth and a big appetite, take this into account with feeding the other fish. These fish typically live off of Artemia, Mysis and krill. In the aquarium they will eat anything they can.
They will sometimes eat small shrimps and fish, so do be aware of this, but it is not normally a problem.
It is possible to keep several species together, if space allows. Some species will form small shoals. They are normally peaceful towards other fish, but will sometimes fight among themselves if there isn't sufficient space or food.
Many species are nocturnal and will therefore often seek a hiding place during the day. This can be between stones, SPS corals and, in some cases, in an anemone and between spines of Sea urchins.
Cardinalfish are a good choice if ones wishes to attempt to start a breeding tank.
| Aquarium trade | No |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Western Central Pacific: Indo-Malay Archipelago to Solomon Islands. |
| English common names |
Pearly cardinalfish Red-striped cardinalfish |
Scott W. Michael. 2001. Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes: v. 2 (Reef Fishes) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. Cardinalfishes, Family Apogonidae, Pt. 1, Pt. 2 - Wet Web Media - (English)