Common name: Longspine cardinalfish
General information
The Threadfin Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Zoramia leptacantha, is a small and peaceful marine fish that is well-suited for community reef aquariums. It is known for its slender body and long, thread-like dorsal fin rays, which give it a delicate and graceful appearance. This species is nocturnal and tends to hide during the day, becoming more active at night when it forages for food.
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
- 7 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Planktonivore Eats small crustaceans
- Social
- School Best in groups of 5+
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in small numbers
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyCardinalfishApogonidae
- GenusThreadfin CardinalfishZoramia
- SpeciesLongspine cardinalfishZoramia leptacantha (Bleeker, 1856)
- SynonymsAmia nematacantha Ogilby, 1913Apogon arenatus Bleeker, 1860Apogon leptacanthus Bleeker, 1856Apogon nematacanthus (Ogilby, 1913)
Care
Zoramia leptacantha is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They prefer a well-established aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. It is important to maintain stable water conditions and provide a varied diet consisting of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
Reproduction
In the wild, Threadfin Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders, with males carrying the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. This fascinating reproductive behavior can also be observed in the home aquarium, where successful breeding can occur if the fish are well cared for and provided with a stress-free environment.
Habitat
The natural habitat of Zoramia leptacantha includes coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. They are often found in groups hovering above coral heads or among seagrass beds, where they seek refuge during the day.