ReefDock
ShopEquipmentLivestockFAQ
  1. Home
  2. /Shop
  3. /Livestock
  4. /Fish
  5. /Bridled Cardinalfish

Bridled Cardinalfish (Apogon fraenatus)

Find Bridled Cardinalfish across reef-livestock retailers on ReefDock. Compare sources, check known pricing where available, and review care information before you buy.

Bridled Cardinalfish
Photo: portioid · CC BY-SA 4.0
Some retailer links may earn ReefDock a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Where to buy Bridled Cardinalfish

ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this fish. Click through to see the live price.

  • Saltwaterfish

    Search this retailer

    Search Saltwaterfish
  • Amazon

    Search this retailer

    Search Amazon
  • Petco

    Search this retailer

    Search Petco

About Bridled Cardinalfish

A small, stocky cardinalfish with a dark reddish-brown to olive body and two distinctive white or pale bands (stripes) crossing the head and gill area, giving it its "bridled" appearance. The body is robust and slightly compressed, with a large mouth typical of apogonids, and the overall coloration may vary from brownish-red to orange-red depending on lighting and mood.

Key facts

Origin
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia, typically found in sheltered reefs and lagoons at depths of 5–50 meters.
Common Health Issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Fungal infections
Appearance
A small, stocky cardinalfish with a dark reddish-brown to olive body and two distinctive white or pale bands (stripes) crossing the head and gill area, giving it its "bridled" appearance. The body is robust and slightly compressed, with a large mouth typical of apogonids, and the overall coloration may vary from brownish-red to orange-red depending on lighting and mood.
Max Size
3.5
Feeding Schedule
2-3 times daily
Aka
Spurcheek Cardinalfish
Family
Apogonidae
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025
Min tank size
30 gallons
Reef safety
Reef Safe
Diet Details
Primarily a nocturnal planktivore and micro-predator in the wild. In captivity, feed high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and small frozen zooplankton. Multiple small feedings per day are recommended, as these fish have small mouths and prefer to feed on small particles.
Difficulty Level
Bridled Cardinalfish are moderately hardy and suitable for established reef tanks with stable conditions. They require dim lighting and plenty of hiding places, and can be sensitive to water quality fluctuations and aggressive tankmates.

Research before you buy

ReefDock is the sister app to Reef Trak. Use Reef Trak to research and log fish, keep tank parameters organized, and maintain a complete livestock history. Log this fish on Reef Trak.

Related fish

  • Acares Midget Reef Chromis

    Chromis acares

  • Achilles Tang

    Acanthurus achilles

  • Adorned Wrasse

    Halichoeres cosmetus

  • African Basslet

    Liopropoma africanum

  • African Pygmy Angelfish

    Centropyge acanthops

  • Agile Chromis

    Chromis agilis

  • Aiptasia Eating Filefish

    Acreichthys tomentosus

  • Allard's Clownfish

    Amphiprion allardi

ReefDock

Reef-product search built by the maker of Reef Trak.

Questions? support@reeftrak.com

Shop

  • All reef products
  • Equipment
  • Livestock
  • Brands

Categories

  • Corals
  • Fish
  • Invertebrates
  • Equipment
  • Frags

About

  • Partners
  • About ReefDock
  • FAQ
  • ReefTrak integration
  • Affiliate disclosure

© 2026 ReefDock · Privacy · Terms