Common name: Seale's cardinalfish

General information

Seale's Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Ostorhinchus sealei, is a small and colorful marine fish that is a member of the family Apogonidae. They are nocturnal and tend to be shy, often hiding among the rocks and crevices during the day. At night, they become more active, venturing out to feed. Their coloration is quite striking, with a base color of pale yellow or cream and distinctive red to brown stripes running vertically along their body.

Care

Seale's Cardinalfish are relatively easy to care for in a home aquarium. They prefer a well-established tank with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. They are not aggressive and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. These fish are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

Like many cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus sealei are mouthbrooders. The males carry the fertilized eggs in their mouth until they hatch, providing protection from predators. This fascinating reproductive behavior can sometimes be observed in the home aquarium if the fish are well cared for and the environment is stable.

Habitat

Seale's Cardinalfish are found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines and Indonesia to northern Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with live rock and a sandy substrate can help these fish feel at home and display natural behaviors.