Narrowstripe Cardinalfish (Apogon exostigma)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Narrowstripe Cardinalfish is a small, elongated fish with a reddish-orange to deep red body coloration. It displays a characteristic narrow white or silvery stripe running laterally along the body, with two dark eye-like spots on the rear of the dorsal fin and tail region. The body is streamlined with large eyes adapted for low-light reef environments.
Diet and feeding
Narrowstripe Cardinalfish are specialized planktivores that feed on small zooplankton and crustacean larvae. In captivity, feed frozen copepods, mysis shrimp, and other small frozen foods; some may accept finely crushed prepared foods. Multiple small feedings daily are more effective than one large feeding.
Difficulty and care for the Narrowstripe Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial infections, Parasitic infestations
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 beyond. Typically found in coral reef environments at depths between 10 and 100 meters.
Log Narrowstripe 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 Narrowstripe Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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