Where to buy Half-Lined Cardinalfish
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About Half-Lined Cardinalfish
The Half-Lined Cardinalfish is a small, slender fish with a reddish-orange body and distinctive dark stripe running laterally along the head and anterior body. Two prominent dark eye-like spots (ocelli) on the dorsal fin base are characteristic. The fish has a somewhat elongated, compressed body typical of the cardinalfish family.
Key facts
- Appearance
- The Half-Lined Cardinalfish is a small, slender fish with a reddish-orange body and distinctive dark stripe running laterally along the head and anterior body. Two prominent dark eye-like spots (ocelli) on the dorsal fin base are characteristic. The fish has a somewhat elongated, compressed body typical of the cardinalfish family.
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe
- Min tank size
- 20 gallons
- Family
- Apogonidae
- Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-82°F pH: 8.1-8.4 Salinity: 1.02-1.025
- Feeding Schedule
- 2-3 times daily
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 20 gallon tank with low to moderate flow and shaded areas or caves for daytime refuge • Temperature 72–82°F, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025 • Nocturnal; does not require intense lighting but benefits from dimmer acclimation periods • Feed 2–3 times daily with small meaty foods (mysis shrimp, small fish pieces) • Peaceful but may eat very small crustaceans; otherwise safe for most reef inhabitants
- Difficulty Level
- Moderately difficult. While hardy once acclimated, these nocturnal fish are sensitive to strong water flow and sudden changes in lighting. They require stable conditions and may be outcompeted for food by more aggressive species.
- Care Level
- Moderate
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to the Philippines and Indonesia.
- Diet Details
- Feed small meaty foods including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped fish flesh. May accept small prepared carnivore pellets. Feed 2–3 times daily with small portions, as cardinalfish are nocturnal and feed at night but will accept daytime offerings in established tanks.
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