Common name: Crimson Soldierfish

Scientific name: Taeniamia pallida (Gon & Randall, 1995)

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

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Cardinalfish
    Apogonidae
  6. Genus
    Coral Cardinalfish
    Taeniamia
  7. Species
    Crimson Soldierfish
    Taeniamia pallida (Gon & Randall, 1995)
  8. Synonyms
    Archamia 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.