Ring-Tailed Cardinalfish (Apogon aureus)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Easy care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, stocky cardinalfish with a reddish or orange-red body. The most distinctive feature is a prominent white or pale ring-like band around the caudal peduncle (tail base), giving the species its common name. The fish has a rounded head, large eyes typical of nocturnal species, and a compressed body shape characteristic of the Apogonidae family.
Diet and feeding
Ring-tailed cardinalfish are nocturnal predators that feed on small live prey in the wild. In captivity, offer high-quality frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, or small fish larvae. Feed once or twice daily, providing only what the fish can consume in a few minutes.
Difficulty and care for the Ring-Tailed Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Starvation if not fed small prey regularly, parasitic infections, bacterial infections if water quality declines
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia and Philippines to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in shallow to moderate depths on coral and rocky reefs.
Log Ring-Tailed 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 Ring-Tailed Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
