Common name: Yellow cardinal-fish
General information
The Cave Cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus cavitensis, is a small and peaceful marine fish that is well-suited for community aquariums. It is part of the Apogonidae family, which is known for its hardiness and ease of care. These fish are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day, making them an interesting choice for aquarists who enjoy observing nighttime behaviors.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Easy Adaptable to aquarium life
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in specialized facilities
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyCardinalfishApogonidae
- GenusCardinalfishOstorhinchus
- SpeciesYellow cardinal-fishOstorhinchus cavitensis (Jordan & Seale, 1907)
- SynonymsAmia cavitensis Jordan & Seale, 1907Amia cavitiensis Jordan & Seale, 1907Apogon cavitensis (Jordan & Seale, 1907)Apogon cavitiensis (Jordan & Seale, 1907)Apogon singapurensis Bleeker, 1860Apogon virgulatus Allen & Randall, 1993
Care
Cave Cardinalfish are relatively easy to care for, which makes them a good choice for beginner and intermediate aquarists. They thrive in a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. These fish prefer dim lighting and a gentle water flow. A varied diet of small meaty foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Cave Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders, with males taking on the responsibility of carrying eggs in their mouths until they hatch. This fascinating reproductive behavior can also be observed in the home aquarium, although breeding them in captivity can be challenging.
Habitat
Natural Habitat
Cave Cardinalfish are found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit caves and overhangs on coral reefs, usually at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters.
Aquarium Habitat
In the aquarium, they require a setup that mimics their natural habitat, with plenty of rockwork and caves to provide shelter and a sense of security.