Red-Striped Cardinal (Apogon Margaritophorus)

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Diet : Carnivore

Color : White, Red, Orange

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 2.5 inches

Origin : Western Central Pacific 

Family : Acanthuridae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

Apogon Margaritophorus is a cardinal fish with many names: Checkered Cardinal, Red-Striped Cardinal, Margarita Cardinalfish, Ochre-Striped Cardinal. The Red-Striped Cardinal is found among shallow lagoons and reefs off the coast of the west-central Pacific Ocean.

The Apogon  Margaritophorus has a long body with a rounded midsection and a pointed face. Their body is pearl-white with horizontal stripes that vary in color from copper hued to bold red-orange. In the center of their body, two horizontal lines are connected with short vertical bars giving them a very unique appearance. Apogon Margaritophorus remains fairly small, reaching a maximum length of 2.5 inches.

30 gallons fish-only tanks with subdued lighting are best kept, but they can also be kept in reef tanks with a few rocky caves and hiding places.

They are peaceful fish that add a lot of movement to an aquarium. If maintained with peaceful tankmates, will spend a good portion of its time in the aquarium open areas. This fish will get along with other peaceful tank mates but should not be kept with very aggressive fish, as their small size makes them vulnerable to predation. Best maintained in small groups of five or more. They will not bother corals or most inverts; some often swim and hover in and around the branches of corals and spines of larger urchins.

Most cardinals are not picky eaters. With time, they may accept flakes and pellets but they can be giving a varied diet of meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, planktons and other similar items.