Cross-Striped Cardinalfish (Fowleria aurita)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small nocturnal cardinalfish with a reddish or pinkish body marked by distinctive vertical dark stripes crossing the body and head. The fish has large eyes typical of nocturnal species, a rounded body shape, and a slightly forked tail.
Diet and feeding
Feed small live or frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, amphipods, and small frozen preparations. Offer food during evening hours when the fish is most active. Feed once daily in the evening or split into two small feedings.
Difficulty and care for the Cross-Striped Cardinalfish
Moderate difficulty. This species is hardy and peaceful but requires live rock for shelter, prefers dimmer lighting and nocturnal feeding, and benefits from established, stable systems. It can be shy and needs time to acclimate.
Common health issues
Shyness, starvation if not fed appropriately, parasitic infections, bacterial infections in poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through Indonesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef and northern Australia.
Log Cross-Striped 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 Cross-Striped Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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