Blackstripe Cardinalfish (Apogon nigrofasciatus)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Blackstripe Cardinalfish is a small, stocky fish with a reddish-orange body and two prominent dark stripes running horizontally across its head and upper body. It has large eyes positioned near the top of its head, reflecting its nocturnal behavior, and a rounded body shape typical of cardinalfish.
Diet and feeding
Feed small frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and enriched brine shrimp. Small live foods are also readily accepted. Feed 2–3 times daily, with at least one feeding in dim light to match nocturnal feeding habits.
Difficulty and care for the Blackstripe Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Ich, lateral line erosion, starvation if not fed small foods regularly
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Philippines and Indonesia, typically found in coral reef habitats at depths of 10-60 meters.
Log Blackstripe Cardinalfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Blackstripe Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
