Variegated Cardinalfish (Fowleria variegata)
Fish in the family Apogonidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A small, cylindrical cardinalfish reaching 3–4 inches. The body is pale red or pinkish overall with distinctive dark red or maroon bands and variegated markings. Large eyes and a terminal mouth are characteristic of nocturnal apogonids, and the dorsal and anal fins display prominent striping.
Diet and feeding
Feed small frozen meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and small krill. Feeding in the evening when the fish is most active increases feeding success. Two daily meals of small portions are typical.
Difficulty and care for the Variegated Cardinalfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (velvet, ich), poor feeding in bright light, bacterial infections from poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, typically found in caves and under reef overhangs at depths of 10–60 meters.
Log Variegated 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 Variegated Cardinalfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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