Iridescent Cardinalfish (Apogon kallopterus)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, stocky cardinalfish with iridescent blue-violet coloration on the head and body. The eyes are characteristically large and the body compressed laterally. Two dorsal fins are present, with the rear body and tail showing reddish or orange tones that create an attractive two-tone effect.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, frozen copepods, and small live foods. Offer 1-2 times daily in small portions appropriate to mouth size.
Difficulty and care for the Iridescent Cardinalfish
Moderate difficulty. This species requires stable water conditions and suitable prey foods, but is peaceful and relatively hardy once established in the aquarium. The main challenge is securing a consistent supply of appropriately-sized live or frozen foods and providing adequate refuge.
Common health issues
Starvation if not offered suitable small prey, parasitic infections, lateral line disease if water quality is poor
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through to the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. Found in coral reef environments at moderate to deeper depths.
Log Iridescent 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 Iridescent Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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