[ FISH ]

CLOWNFISH - DOTTYBACKS - GOBIES & BLENNIES - CARDINALFISH - SEAHORSES - OTHERS

CARDINALFISH (Family: Apogonidae)

The Cardinal Fish are peaceful aquarium fish that have been a favorite with aquarists for years. ORA currently cultures three species of Cardinals, two of which are commercially available for the first time.

Cardinals are cryptic species that stay in sheltered areas by day and are more active at night. They are not aggressive towards other fish, but since they are carnivores it is possible they could consume smaller tank-mates.

Banggai Cardinalfish - Pterapogon kauderni

Banggai Cardinal fish have become one of the most popular marine aquarium species. They are found in remote islands of Indonesia and are known to hide within the spines of long-spine sea urchins. Due to a limited range in the wild, and overcollecting due to popularity, some authors believe these Cardinals may become an endangered species.

This species is known to be a mouthbreeder. The male holds the fertilized eggs in his mouth through full development, and releases them as juveniles. Banggai Cardinals have a spawn size of anywhere from 12-43 fry, which develop in the male's mouth for 20-24 days. They will spawn every 30 days and it is not uncommon to observe this in home aquaria. The juveniles emerge ready to take newly hatched brine shrimp. For these reasons, this is a species many home aquarists have bred and reared.

ORA is currently increasing its broodstock pairs of this fish so we can increase our production. Look for better availability in the near future.

Blue-Streak Cardinal - Apogon leptacanthus

The Blue-Streak Cardinal (also known as the Threadfin, Longspine, or Slendertail Cardinalfish) is found in large schools on Indo-Pacific reefs. It is named for the beautiful iridescent blue markings around the eyes, fins, and body. The body is mainly semi-transparent silver, with several yellow lines. This species reaches a maximum size of approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm).

The Blue-Streak Cardinal is a peaceful fish and is best kept with other nonaggressive species. A school of Blue-Streak Cardinals makes a stunning addition to a reef tank as the silver and blue mass will move slowly in unison among the corals and live rock.

Blue-Streak Cardinals are active at night and find security under ledges and in caves. These elegantly colored fish are mouthbrooders.

This is the first offering of captive bred Blue-Streak Cardinalfish in the industry.

Pajama Cardinal - Sphaeramia nematoptera

Pajama Cardinals are one of the most popular marine aquarium fish. ORA is the first hatchery to successfully commercially breed this colorful Cardinal.

As with most cardinals, they are generally docile in aquariums. They should not be housed with overly aggressive tankmates.

They are a great fish for reef tanks, and swim freely in full view. They will eat a variety of aquarium foods including frozen foods and pellets.

OTHER CARDINALFISH SPECIES

ORA has breed a number of other cardinalfish species in the last few years. They are available from time to time in limited quantities. Species successfully bred at ORA include:

Blue-eye Cardinal - Apogon compressus