Common name: Bullseye cardinalfish

General information

The Blackfin Cardinalfish, Apogonichthyoides nigripinnis, is a small and peaceful marine fish that is well-suited for community reef aquariums. It is known for its striking appearance, with a silver body, black fins, and a distinctive black spot at the base of the caudal fin. This species is nocturnal and tends to be shy during the day, often seeking refuge in rockwork or coral branches.

Care

Blackfin Cardinalfish are relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginner and intermediate aquarists. They prefer a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. These fish are schooling by nature and do best in groups of five or more. They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods including small pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blackfin Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders, with males carrying the fertilized eggs in their mouth until they hatch. This fascinating reproductive behavior can also be observed in the home aquarium if conditions are right and the fish are well-conditioned with a nutritious diet.

Habitat

Apogonichthyoides nigripinnis is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths of 1 to 30 meters, where they can be seen hovering in small groups among branching corals or over reef slopes.