Common name: Crimson Soldierfish
General information
The Crimson Soldierfish, Taeniamia pallida, is a small and peaceful marine fish that is a member of the Apogonidae family. It is known for its striking coloration, typically displaying a pale pink or peach body with a silvery sheen. This species is nocturnal and tends to hide during the day in caves or under ledges in the reef.
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
- Moderate to easy Adaptable but sensitive to water quality
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet including flakes and frozen food
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious, may squabble with others
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful Generally peaceful, may be shy
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyCardinalfishApogonidae
- GenusCoral CardinalfishTaeniamia
- SpeciesCrimson SoldierfishTaeniamia pallida (Gon & Randall, 1995)
- SynonymsArchamia pallida Gon & Randall, 1995
Care
Caring for the Crimson Soldierfish in a home aquarium requires attention to their nocturnal habits. They prefer dimly lit tanks with plenty of hiding places to mimic their natural environment. A peaceful community tank with other non-aggressive fish is ideal. They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
Reproduction
In the wild, Taeniamia pallida spawns at night, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In captivity, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with proper water quality may encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
The Crimson Soldierfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Line Islands and Tuamotu Archipelago, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.