Common name: Longspine cardinalfish

Scientific name: Zoramia leptacantha (Bleeker, 1856)

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

  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
    Threadfin Cardinalfish
    Zoramia
  7. Species
    Longspine cardinalfish
    Zoramia leptacantha (Bleeker, 1856)
  8. Synonyms
    Amia nematacantha Ogilby, 1913
    Apogon arenatus Bleeker, 1860
    Apogon leptacanthus Bleeker, 1856
    Apogon 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.