Facts
| Latin name | Ostorhinchus kiensis - (Jordan & Snyder, 1901) |
| Common name | Rifle cardinal |
| Family | Apogonidae - Ostorhinchus |
| Origin | Japan |
| Max length | 8.0 cm (3.1") |
As aquarium fish
Food
| Maybee |
|
| Recommended |
|
Can be a threat towards small crustaceans
This species can be a threat towards small crustaceans, e.g. small shrimp.
Hiding places
This species needs good hiding places, for example, between live rocks.
Hides itself amongst anemones
This species can sometimes be found hiding between anemones or similar.
Formerly classified as Apogon
Species are sometimes reclassified. This species was formerly classified as a member of the Apogon genus.
Family description (Apogonidae)
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.
FishBase
| Aquarium trade | Unknown |
| Distribution | Northwest Pacific: Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Reports from the Indian Ocean are based on specimens of Apogon bryx and those from the Philippines by Fowler and Bean (1930) are Apogon fasciatus. |
| English common names | Rifle cardinalfish, Rifle cardinal |
References and further reading
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)
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2014. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (08/2014).
Tags
| eats shrimp, cardinal |
