Description

Orange Lined Cardinal (Ostorhinchgus properuptus)

General Characteristics

Size: This is a small cardinalfish, growing to a maximum length of about 6 cm (2.4 inches).

Appearance: It has a silvery or pearly white body with several distinct orange or yellow horizontal stripes running along its sides. A key feature that helps differentiate it from some similar species is that the lowermost stripe on its head does not extend onto the body.

Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific, including parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, this fish is typically found in clear, shallow coastal waters and offshore reefs. They are often seen in small groups hovering in caves, crevices, or around rocky outcrops and corals.

Behaviour:Like most cardinalfish, it is a shy, peaceful, and nocturnal fish. During the day, it prefers to hide in sheltered areas, emerging at dusk to feed.

Aquarium Care

The Southern Orange-lined Cardinalfish is a good choice for a peaceful reef or community aquarium. It is generally hardy and suitable for aquarists of various experience levels.

Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a single fish or a pair. For a small group or school, a larger tank of 40 gallons or more is ideal to provide enough space and reduce any potential for territorial disputes.

Water Parameters: Stable, high-quality marine water conditions are essential.

Temperature: 72-78F (22.2-25.6C).

pH: 8.1-8.4.

Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025.

Aquascaping: The tank should be heavily aquascaped with live rock to create a natural-looking environment with plenty of caves, overhangs, and crevices. This provides the fish with essential hiding places where it can feel secure during the day.

Diet: The Latticed Butterflyfish is a carnivore. In its natural habitat, it preys on small invertebrates and zooplankton. In captivity, it should be fed a varied diet of small, meaty foods.

Recommended Foods: High-quality frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (enriched with vitamins), cyclops, and other fine frozen preparations. They can also be trained to accept high-quality marine pellets or flakes.

Feeding Habits: Given their shy and nocturnal nature, it’s a good idea to feed them at least once a day, preferably during a time of low tank activity, to ensure they get enough to eat.

Temperament: This is a peaceful fish that is non-aggressive towards other species. It is considered reef-safe and will not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, like many cardinalfish, it may pose a threat to very small shrimp or other tiny crustaceans, so caution should be used when keeping them with dwarf shrimp.

Tank Mates: The Southern Orange-lined Cardinalfish is an excellent candidate for a peaceful community tank. Good tank mates include other peaceful fish such as gobies, clownfish, small wrasses, and blennies. Avoid housing them with large, aggressive, or fast-moving species that could outcompete them for food or stress them out.

Social Behaviour: They can be kept as a single specimen, a pair, or in a small group. When kept in a group, they will form a loose school and establish a non-aggressive hierarchy.