Threadfin Cardinalfish
From ReefPedia
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[edit] Threadfin or Bluestreak CardinalfishScientific Name Zoramia leptacantha Max. Size: 6.0 cm (2.4 in) Tank Size: 20 gallons Aggression: Docile. Likely to be picked on by more aggressive species. Hardiness: Hardy, but will not do well if they are not kept in a school. Reef-Safe: This is an ideal reef fish. Will not harm any corals, invertebrates, or other fish. Available as captive-bred: No |
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Physical Description
Small, ovoid body, with two separate dorsal fins. First rays of the first dorsal fin are extended into filaments, which give this fish its common name. Body is translucent, with iridescent blue eyes and streaks on the sides. Shades of pink in the tail and other fins.
Distribution
Throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
Taxonomic Stuff you know you Care About
- Family: Apogonidae - Cardinalfish
- Genus: Zoramia (formerly Apogon)
- Species: leptacantha (formerly leptacanthus)
Behavior
Docile schooling fish. Best kept in groups of five or more, as specimens kept in smaller groups tend to be shy and will break down quickly. Schools tend to hang nearly motionless above corals on the reef. If kept with branching SPS corals, they will take shelter in them when threatened or startled.
Feeding
Zooplankton feeders. Easy to feed, like most cardinals. Do best on small, meaty foods such as mysis, copepods, and finely chopped seafoods. Will usually accept frozen carnivore preparations, and even pellets.
Breeding
Mouthbrooders.
Social Structure
This is a schooling fish, found in massive groups in the wild, often mixed with other cardinalfish species. Should be kept in groups of five or more in the aquarium.
Current Views
These fish have been gaining in popularity with reef hobbyists recently, and for good reason. They're attractive, peaceful, hardy, totally reef safe, and inexpensive. They are also a wonderful choice for nano-tanks. If you're looking for something other than a Six-line Wrasse to stock your 29 gallon Bio-Cube with, try five or six of these instead.
