Cardinal Fish

Cardinal fish are a family of ray-finned fishes found in coral reefs in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. They are a marine fish, but can be found in brackish water. They make an ideal saltwater aquarium fish species.

They are a small, peaceful, colorful fish, most less than 4 inches long. They have large mouths and the dorsal fin is divided into two separate fins.

Cardinal fish are carnivorous and you may want to start their feeding with frozen or live fish food. They are nocturnal, but will learn to adjust to a brightly lit aquarium in time. At least some species brood the eggs inside the mouth of the males.

The Banggai cardinal fish is hardy, resistant disease and a good fish for beginners. It has a silver body covered with small white spots and vertical black stripes. Only one pair should be kept in a tank of 30 gallons or less.

Other cardinal fish, which include the  Flame, the Five-lined, the Pajama, and the Threadfin can live in groups of around five, within which they will develop a peaceful hierarchy.

The five-lined cardinal fish may be more aggressive, so do your research and add them to your tank in stages. As long as a cardinal fish has crevices or sea grass in which to hide, it will live in harmony with peaceful tank mates.