Five-Lined Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Easy care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, elongated cardinalfish with a distinctive red and white striped pattern, featuring five prominent longitudinal lines along the body. The head is large and the eyes are notably prominent, typical of nocturnal predatory fish in the Apogonidae family. Body coloration is primarily silvery-red with darker markings around the head and gill areas.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small chopped seafood. Occasionally supplement with small live foods if available. Feed 1-2 times daily, providing only what the fish can consume in a few minutes.
Difficulty and care for the Five-Lined Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections, poor appetite if stressed, sensitivity to water quality fluctuations
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Typically found in coral reef environments at depths ranging from shallow reef flats to approximately 100 meters.
Log Five-Lined 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 Five-Lined Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
