Cheilodipterus macrodon

Datasheet

General Description

The Large Toothed Cardinalfish, also known as Tiger Cardinalfish or Eight-Lined Cardinalfish, belongs to the Apogonidae family within the Cheilodipterus genus. These fish, native to the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea to Pitcairn, exhibit different color variations and are well-suited for aquariums due to their large mouth and hearty appetite. They can grow up to 25.0 cm in size and are recognized for their distinct eight-lined pattern.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for most aquariums, Large Toothed Cardinalfish are hardy and docile, thriving best in pairs of male and female. They acclimatize well as juveniles and require ample hiding spaces like live rocks in the tank. This species prefers dimmed lighting initially and is nocturnal, becoming most active when the light is dim or off. Providing a varied diet, including live food and large crustaceans, is essential for their well-being.

Care and Hardiness

Large Toothed Cardinalfish are hardy creatures that must be fed a diverse diet comprising fish, crustaceans like shrimp and krill, and other small invertebrates. Considered docile, they may exhibit aggression towards similar species, so caution is advised when housing them with other fish. These fish are known to be shy and will appreciate a peaceful aquarium environment with ample space to minimize territorial disputes.

Reef Suitability

Reef safe with caution, Large Toothed Cardinalfish can adapt to reef environments but pose a threat to small fish and crustaceans due to their predatory nature. When considering housing them in a reef tank, it is advisable to monitor their interactions closely to prevent any harm to tank mates.

Aquarium Setup

Set up the aquarium for Large Toothed Cardinalfish with at least a 250-liter capacity, providing numerous hiding spots among live rocks. Maintain water conditions within a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a KH level of 8-12 for optimal health.

Behaviour

Large Toothed Cardinalfish are generally peaceful towards other tank inhabitants but may engage in territorial disputes if space or food is limited. They tend to form small shoals and exhibit nocturnal behavior, preferring to hide during the day and becoming more active in dim lighting conditions.

Feeding and Diet

Offer a variety of foods to Large Toothed Cardinalfish, including live or frozen fish, larger crustaceans, and small invertebrates like krill, mysis, and artemia. Providing live food can increase their chances of successful acclimatization to the aquarium setting, promoting their overall health and well-being.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Large Toothed Cardinalfish can be found from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Ryukyu Islands, Lord Howe Island, and Rapa. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, preferring environments with ample hiding places and dim lighting conditions, reflecting their nocturnal nature.