Common name: Smiling goby
General information
The Smudge Spot Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Mahidolia mystacina, is a captivating species for marine aquarium enthusiasts. This small, peaceful fish is known for its unique coloration and behavior. It has a silver body with a distinctive smudge spot at the base of the tail and subtle hints of yellow on the fins.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet, incl. frozen foods
- Social
- Pair Pairs are often monogamous
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusMystery WrasseMahidolia
- SpeciesSmiling gobyMahidolia mystacina (Valenciennes, 1837)
- SynonymsGobius mystacina Valenciennes, 1837Gobius pulverulentus Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1837Mahidiolia duque Smith, 1947Mahidiolia normani Smith & Koumans, 1932Mahidolia normani Smith & Koumans, 1932Mahidoria mystacina (Valenciennes, 1837)Waitea buchanani Rao, 1972Waitea duque (Smith, 1947)Waitea mystacina (Valenciennes, 1837)
Care
Mahidolia mystacina is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They prefer a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. They thrive in groups and should be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. A varied diet of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Smudge Spot Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders, with males taking on the responsibility of carrying the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. This fascinating behavior can also be observed in the home aquarium, making them an interesting species for aquarists interested in breeding marine fish.
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Smudge Spot Cardinalfish includes shallow reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They are often found in areas with soft substrates and seagrass beds, where they can find shelter and forage for food.