Description
The Five Lined Cardinalfish, also known as the Toothed Cardinalfish, comes from the reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs of Fiji. They have a long slender shape and are an iridescent silver color. The large black striped eyes are offset by a bright yellow and black spot near the tail which confuses possible predators which way the fish is facing. A 50-gallon or larger aquarium with a cave and peaceful tank mates is suitable for this slow and methodical swimmer. It tends to hide in sea grass or other plants, or may use long spined urchins ( Diadema setosum ) for camouflage. If a 6 foot aquarium is available, it will handle a small group of this species. As a group, they will establish a strict hierarchy without aggressiveness. In the wild, the Five Lined Cardinalfish diet includes benth crustaceans, zoobenthos, different kinds of mobile invertebrates and small fishes. In the home aquarium, serve a well-balanced diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp, flake foods, pellet foods, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on its size, live feeder fish. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ to 1″; Medium: 1″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 3″