Five-lined Cardinalfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Marshall and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands), and south to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Found in sheltered seaward reefs, lagoons, and seagrass beds at depths of 1 to 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Apogonidae, genus Cheilodipterus. Features a streamlined, slightly elongated body. Possesses a large mouth with small, sharp canine teeth. Reaches approximately 12 cm in length.

Social Behavior: Diurnal and nocturnal species, less strictly nocturnal than other apogonids. Forms small, loose groups or hovers solitarily between branching corals or cave entrances.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-white body decorated with 5 distinct black longitudinal stripes. Features a prominent round black spot ringed with bright yellow on the caudal peduncle. No visible external sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Demands an aquarium of at least 150 liters with abundant live rock arranged to form caves, crevices, and shaded overhangs. Subdued to moderate lighting is preferred.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous predator. Feeds on small fish and crustaceans. In captivity, feed twice daily with meaty frozen foods like mysis, krill, chopped shrimp, and small pieces of fish flesh.

Water Quality: Stable parameters: temperature 23-28°C, pH 8.0-8.5, specific gravity (SG) 1.020-1.026, GH 15-25, KH 8-12. Quality filtration and regular water changes are required to control nitrates.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Reef safe with caution. Safe with corals. Will eat small fish (e.g. small gobies) and ornamental shrimp (e.g. small cleaner shrimp). Best kept with robust, medium-sized, peaceful tankmates.

Aquarium Reproduction: Paternal mouthbrooder. The male carries the egg mass in his mouth, abstaining from food for several days. Captive reproduction is undocumented.

Risks and Diseases: Can show territorial aggression toward conspecifics if the aquarium is too small; keep singly or in mated pairs. Hardy but sensitive to sudden temperature shifts.