Moluccan Cardinalfish (Apogon moluccensis)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Moluccan Cardinalfish are small, slender fish with a distinctive two-tone coloration: red-orange on the upper body and silvery-white on the lower half, with a characteristic dark stripe running from snout to tail. The head is slightly oversized relative to the body, and they possess large eyes adapted for nocturnal feeding.
Diet and feeding
Feed small carnivorous foods including mysis shrimp, copepods, and frozen bloodworms. They are nocturnal feeders and may require food sinking into caves or shaded areas rather than competing in open water.
Difficulty and care for the Moluccan Cardinalfish
Moluccan Cardinalfish require moderate care due to their nocturnal nature and specific feeding requirements. They are generally hardy once acclimated but need proper shelter and consistent small food offerings to thrive in captivity.
Common health issues
Starvation if not fed appropriately for nocturnal behavior, parasitic infections, fin rot in poor water conditions
Origin and habitat
Western Pacific, primarily the Molucca Islands and surrounding Indo-Pacific region including Indonesia and the Philippines.
Log Moluccan 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 Moluccan Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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