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Pearl-Spotted Cardinalfish (Apogon margaritophorus)

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

Pearl-Spotted Cardinalfish
Photo: (c) Roxanne Lazarus, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Roxanne Lazarus · cc-by-nc
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Where to buy Pearl-Spotted Cardinalfish

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

  • Saltwaterfish

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  • Amazon

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  • Petco

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About Pearl-Spotted Cardinalfish

A small, nocturnal cardinalfish with a reddish or pinkish body and distinctive dark spots or pearls covering the head and body, giving it the common name. The fish has large eyes adapted for low-light environments and a terminal mouth typical of the Apogonidae family.

Key facts

Diet Details
Feeds on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, feed small live or frozen foods such as copepods, amphipods, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. May require frequent small meals due to its small mouth.
Diet
carnivore
Feeding Schedule
2-3 times daily
Care Requirements
• Minimum 20-30 gallon tank; prefers larger reef setups with caves/recesses • Water: 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.3, sg 1.020-1.025, low nitrates • Nocturnal; provide dim lighting & hiding spots; peaceful with most fish • Feed small meaty foods: mysis shrimp, copepods, small crustaceans 2-3x daily • Keep singly or in bonded pairs; sensitive to aggressive tankmates
Common Health Issues
Ich, bacterial infections, malnutrition if not fed appropriately sized foods
Origin
Indo-Pacific region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Philippines, and Indonesia. Found in tropical coral reef environments at depths typically between 5–50 meters.
Max Size
3.5
Min tank size
30 gallons
Care Level
Moderate
Family
Apogonidae
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
Appearance
A small, nocturnal cardinalfish with a reddish or pinkish body and distinctive dark spots or pearls covering the head and body, giving it the common name. The fish has large eyes adapted for low-light environments and a terminal mouth typical of the Apogonidae family.

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.

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