Slender Cardinalfish (Rhabdamia gracilis)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
Small, slender-bodied cardinalfish with red coloration on the head and upper body fading to silver-white on the belly. Distinguishing features include a pointed snout, two dorsal fins, and large dark eyes adapted for nocturnal behavior.
Diet and feeding
Feeds on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and small fish larvae in the wild. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and small frozen foods 2–3 times daily. May accept high-quality flaked foods but prefers meaty fare.
Difficulty and care for the Slender 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, Hole-in-the-head, Columnaris disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific to the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji.
Log Slender 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 Slender Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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