Cheilodipterus isostigmus

Datasheet

General Description

The Dog-toothed cardinalfish, also known as the Toothy cardinalfish, belongs to the Apogonidae family specifically under Cheilodipterus species. These cardinalfish come in various shapes and colors and are commonly found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Maldives, Philippines, Palau, Indonesia, Tonga, Moluccas, Belau, and Caroline.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for most aquarium setups, the Dog-toothed cardinalfish is a hardy species that requires a minimum tank size of 100 liters. They are known to acclimatize better when introduced to the aquarium as juveniles and thrive best when kept as a pair, preferably a male and female.

Demands

These fish are generally docile but can display aggression towards similar species, emphasizing the need for caution. They are shy creatures that require good hiding spots like live rocks and dim lighting in the initial stages of acclimatization due to their nocturnal nature.

Care and Hardiness

With a maximum size of approximately 11.0 cm, these cardinalfish have a big appetite and will feed on small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. It is essential to provide them with a varied diet, including live food like small crustaceans and zooplankton, to promote their well-being in captivity.

Reef Suitability

Reef safe with caution, the Dog-toothed cardinalfish can be kept in a reef aquarium, but attention should be given, especially around smaller fish, shrimps, and crabs, which may be viewed as potential prey due to the cardinalfish's predatory nature.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Dog-toothed cardinalfish, ensure there are ample hiding spaces, dimmed lighting initially, and a varied diet rich in small crustaceans and zooplankton. Monitoring water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, kh 8-12, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

These fish are typically peaceful towards other tank mates but may engage in territorial disputes if space or food resources are limited. Some species of cardinalfish may form small shoals, and they are known to seek hiding places during the day, favoring spots between stones, SPS corals, or even among the spines of sea urchins.

Feeding and Diet

To ensure the health of Dog-toothed cardinalfish in captivity, it is recommended to offer them a diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Providing a variety of food options helps mimic their natural diet and encourages their adaptability in the tank.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

In captivity, Dog-toothed cardinalfish can reproduce successfully, making them suitable for breeding tanks. With the right conditions, these fish can engage in spawning behaviors, leading to the hatching of their offspring within a controlled aquarium environment.

Habitat and Distribution

Naturally found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and across the Central and West Pacific regions, the Dog-toothed cardinalfish inhabits coral reefs and rocky crevices where they can seek shelter and hunt for prey. Their distribution ranges from the Maldives and the Philippines to Indonesia and Tonga, showcasing their adaptability to diverse marine environments.