Are Yellowstripe Cardinalfish considered reef safe?

Yes, they are completely reef-safe. They do not nip at corals or bother the vast majority of decorative marine invertebrates, though extremely small shrimp may occasionally be seen as food by larger adults.

Why is my new cardinalfish hiding all day?

Yellowstripe Cardinalfish are naturally nocturnal and cautious. It is normal for them to hide in caves or overhangs during the day, especially when newly introduced. As they acclimatise, they will become bolder and come out during feeding times.

How many Yellowstripe Cardinalfish should I keep together?

They are best kept as a single specimen, a bonded pair, or in a shoal of at least five. Keeping small groups of three or four often leads to the weakest fish being bullied as they establish a pecking order.

Why has my male cardinalfish stopped eating?

If your cardinalfish is a male and has suddenly stopped eating, with a noticeably swollen lower jaw, he is likely holding fertilised eggs. As paternal mouthbrooders, the males fast for about a week while incubating the eggs.

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Yellowstripe Cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus cyanosoma

A striking, peaceful marine fish that brings vibrant golden stripes and a delicate schooling presence to the reef aquarium.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 15 – 20 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 6 – 8 cm
for a small shoal: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: carnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Reef or marine aquarium with rocky overhangs, caves, and low-light areas

About the Yellowstripe Cardinalfish

The Yellowstripe Cardinalfish is a captivating addition to the home aquarium, renowned for its distinct metallic bluish-silver body adorned with bright orange-yellow horizontal stripes. Belonging to the family Apogonidae, this species is largely nocturnal in the wild but readily adapts to daytime feeding schedules in captivity. They are a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced aquarists due to their hardiness and peaceful demeanour. When kept in a suitable group, they create a dazzling, synchronous display as they hover amongst the rockwork.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Yellowstripe Cardinalfish against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Yellowstripe Cardinalfish comes from

Native range

Indo-West Pacific, Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Egypt, Japan, Fiji

Habitat

Clear waters of coral reefs and lagoons, often sheltering in branching corals, caves, and amongst sea urchin spines.

Widespread across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Line Islands.

Similar species

Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
Bluestreak Cardinalfish
Zoramia leptacantha
Pajama Cardinalfish
Sphaeramia nematoptera

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful, active during the day, and occupies a different area of the tank, creating no competition.
Great
Royal Gramma
Gramma loreto
Shares similar peaceful temperament and reef-safe characteristics; an excellent, colourful companion.
Great
Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
A tranquil dartfish that gets along perfectly with cardinalfish, maintaining a harmonious community.
Great
Sixline Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Can be highly active and occasionally territorial; may outcompete the slower-feeding cardinalfish for food.
Compatible with caution
Sexy Shrimp
Thor amboinensis
While generally safe, fully grown cardinalfish have surprisingly large mouths and might opportunistically eat very tiny ornamental shrimp.
Compatible with caution
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
A large predator that will easily swallow small, slender fish like the Yellowstripe Cardinalfish whole.
Not recommended
Domino Damselfish
Dascyllus trimaculatus
Highly aggressive and territorial, it will constantly harass the peaceful cardinalfish.
Not recommended

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