Yellowstriped Cardinalfish

The yellowstriped cardinalfish is recognized by the six orange-yellow stripes running along its silvery-blue body; the middle stripe ends in a small orange spot at the base of the tail. It reaches about 8 cm. In the wild it forms small or large groups in sheltered, clear-water lagoons and outer reefs, beneath rock overhangs, in holes and among the spines of sea urchins. It stays in the shade during the day and comes out into the open in the late afternoon and at night to hunt planktonic crustaceans. Aquarium-bred specimens are also available; it is a hardy species that is easy to feed.

• At least 150 liters for a small group.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe: it leaves corals and ornamental shrimp alone.
• Shaded rock overhangs and caves; gentle to moderate flow.

Carnivorous. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, copepods and fine granules. Feeding in the evening before the lights are dimmed gets more food to it; feed small amounts twice a day.

Peaceful and calm. Over time pairs form within the group, and during the breeding period a pair guards a small area; these fights are rarely serious.

Good companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, royal gramma, other peaceful cardinalfish, ornamental shrimp.

Avoid: Predators such as lionfish and hawkfish, aggressive damselfish, large dottybacks.