Ostorhinchus properuptus

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Facts
Latin name Ostorhinchus properuptus
Local name Southern orange-lined cardinal fish
Family Apogonidae - Ostorhinchus
Origin East Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Central/West Pacific
Max length 6 cm (2.4")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 100 l (26 gal)
Hardiness Hardy
Suitable for aquarium Suitable for most aquarium
Reef safe Always reef safe
Aggressiveness Peaceful
Feed
Recommended Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...)
Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...)
Beware of
Can be a threat towards small crustaceans

This species can be a threat towards small crustaceans, e.g. small shrimp.

Keep in mind
Hiding places

This species needs good hiding places, for example, between live rocks.

Formerly classified as Apogon

Species are sometimes reclassified. This species was formerly classified as a member of the Apogon genus.

Can coexist with its own species

Several specimen of this species can coexist in the same aquarium, provided they are introduced simultaneously.

Cyanosoma complex

This species belongs to what is known as the Cyanosoma complex, which consists of, all in all five similar species.

Ostorhinchus cyanosoma
Ostorhinchus luteus
Ostorhinchus properupta
Ostorhinchus ribrimacula
Ostorhinchus wassinki

The classification of these species are still debated. 

Descriptions and further reading
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.

References and further reading

About references

Scott W. Michael. 2001. Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes: v. 2 (Reef Fishes) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. Cardinalfishes, Family Apogonidae, Pt. 1Pt. 2 - Wet Web Media - (English)