Ochre-striped Cardinalfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Western Pacific: from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. Inhabits small aggregations among branching Porites and Acropora corals in sandy lagoons at depths of 2 to 20 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Apogonidae, genus Ostorhinchus. Features a robust, laterally compressed body and very large eyes with metallic highlights. Grows up to 12 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and gregarious when young, tending to form stable pairs as adults. Swims statically among reef corals, sheltering during the day.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Greyish or silvery body characterized by longitudinal stripes of ochre or orange-brown color. A characteristic round black spot on the caudal peduncle and two blue stripes in the eyes. Visual dimorphism is absent.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 120 liters with rocky crevices and branching corals. Moderate water movement. Low risk of jumping.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on zooplankton and small crustaceans. Offer mysis, brine shrimp, fine krill, and high-quality small dry pellets twice daily.

Water Quality: Keep marine parameters stable. Temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Efficient mechanical filtration is recommended.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef safe. Suitable for soft and hard coral setups. Does not bother shrimp or small fish. Avoid housing with active predators.

Aquarium Breeding: Paternal mouthbrooder. The male holds the fertilized egg mass in his mouth for several weeks without feeding.

Risks and Diseases: Robust species. Sensitive to rapid pH swings and marine ich if exposed to severe environmental or stocking stress.