Common name: Obliquebanded cardinalfish

General information

The Half-banded Cardinalfish, Apogon semiornatus, is a small and attractive marine fish that is a member of the family Apogonidae. This species is known for its striking coloration, with a silver body accented by a series of vertical red to orange bands, which can make it a visually appealing addition to a home aquarium. They are nocturnal by nature and tend to be more active during the evening or at night.

Care

Half-banded Cardinalfish are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for both beginner and advanced aquarists. They thrive in a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. These fish are not aggressive and do well in groups, so keeping them in a small school can help them feel secure and display natural behaviors. They accept a variety of foods, including small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp, as well as high-quality flake and pellet foods.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Apogon semiornatus may breed if kept in a stable and stress-free environment. They are mouthbrooders, with the male incubating the eggs in his mouth until they hatch. This fascinating reproductive behavior can be observed in a home aquarium if conditions are right, providing an educational experience for the aquarist.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Half-banded Cardinalfish includes coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically found in shallow waters, often hiding among corals and rocks during the day. In the wild, they are distributed across a range from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and the islands of Micronesia.