Marbled Cardinalfish (Fowleria marmorata)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Fowleria marmorata is a small, stocky cardinalfish with a rounded body and large head. It displays red-orange coloration with distinctive white or pale marbling and reticulated patterns across the body and head. The large eyes are characteristic of this nocturnal species.
Diet and feeding
Fowleria marmorata feeds primarily on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and small copepods. Feed 2–3 times daily in the evening and at night to match natural nocturnal behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Marbled Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Parasites, internal infections, starvation if not acclimated to feeding schedules, stress-induced disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending through Southeast Asia to the western Pacific. Found in reef environments from shallow coastal areas to deeper reef slopes.
Log Marbled 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 Marbled Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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