Where to buy Variegated Cardinalfish
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About Variegated Cardinalfish
A small, cylindrical cardinalfish reaching 3–4 inches. The body is pale red or pinkish overall with distinctive dark red or maroon bands and variegated markings. Large eyes and a terminal mouth are characteristic of nocturnal apogonids, and the dorsal and anal fins display prominent striping.
Key facts
- Appearance
- A small, cylindrical cardinalfish reaching 3–4 inches. The body is pale red or pinkish overall with distinctive dark red or maroon bands and variegated markings. Large eyes and a terminal mouth are characteristic of nocturnal apogonids, and the dorsal and anal fins display prominent striping.
- Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025
- Min tank size
- 30 gallons
- Diet
- carnivore
- Feeding Schedule
- 1-2 times daily
- Reef safety
- Reef Safe
- Difficulty Level
- Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
- Care Requirements
- • Minimum 30 gallon tank with dim lighting and plenty of caves or overhangs for shelter (nocturnal and naturally cryptic) • Temperature range 72–78 °F; maintain stable conditions with gentle flow • Salinity 1.023–1.025 SG; pH 8.1–8.3 • Feed small frozen foods (mysis shrimp, copepods, small krill) 1–2 times daily; offer food in evening when more active • Peaceful toward most fish but may eat very small shrimp or fish; best kept singly or in established groups • Avoid strong lighting and maintain quiet behavior; sensitive to water quality changes
- Origin
- Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, typically found in caves and under reef overhangs at depths of 10–60 meters.
- Diet Details
- Feed small frozen meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and small krill. Feeding in the evening when the fish is most active increases feeding success. Two daily meals of small portions are typical.
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Max Size
- 4
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