Ocellated Cardinalfish (Apogonichthys ocellatus)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Small cardinalfish with a reddish or orange body and distinctive dark ocelli (eye-like spots) along the flanks and gill covers. The body is moderately compressed with a rounded head and large eyes characteristic of nocturnal cardinalfish. Fin markings are subtle, with the dorsal and anal fins positioned far back on the body.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including frozen copepods, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Offer live small crustaceans when possible. Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions.
Difficulty and care for the Ocellated Cardinalfish
Moderate difficulty. These small, nocturnal cardinalfish are hardy once acclimated but require stable water conditions, low aggression from tankmates, and consistent feeding of appropriate small foods. They prefer dimly lit environments and may hide during the day.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections, lateral line erosion, fin rot if water quality declines
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and waters from East Africa to the western Pacific. Found in coral reef environments at depths typically between 5–100 meters.
Log Ocellated 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 Ocellated Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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