Tiger Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus arabicus)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Tiger Cardinalfish is a small, elongated fish with a distinctive bi-lobed dorsal fin separated into two distinct sections. It displays reddish-orange body coloration with darker vertical bars or stripes running along the body, earning it the "tiger" designation. The head is relatively large with prominent eyes adapted for nocturnal feeding.
Diet and feeding
Feed small frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and small crustaceans. Offer food in the evening or at night when the fish is most active, as cardinalfish are nocturnal feeders.
Difficulty and care for the Tiger Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections, stress-related disease, starvation (if not fed appropriate small foods)
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and western Indian Ocean to the Indo-Pacific coral reefs. Found in reef environments from shallow to moderate depths.
Log Tiger 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 Tiger Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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