Ostorhinchus chrysopomus

Datasheet

General Description

The Spotted-gill cardinalfish, scientifically known as Ostorhinchus chrysopomus, belongs to the Apogonidae family. These fish, commonly referred to as Spotted-gill cardinalfish or Cheek-spot cardinalfish, are found in the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the Indo-Malay Archipelago to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They can grow up to 11.0 cm in size and are known for their delicate nature.

Aquarium Suitability

Spotted-gill cardinalfish are considered suitable for most aquarium setups. They are peaceful in temperament and can be kept with other species if space permits. However, they may pose a threat to small crustaceans such as shrimp, so caution should be exercised when housing them together. These fish have a large appetite and primarily feed on small crustaceans like Krill, Mysis, and Artemia.

Care and Hardiness

Cardinalfish, in general, come in various shapes and colors and are well suited for aquarium life. They require good hiding spots within the tank, typically seeking refuge among live rocks. These fish are nocturnal and more active in dimly lit conditions. Spotted-gill cardinalfish are sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, requiring careful handling during these processes.

Reef Suitability

Spotted-gill cardinalfish are known to be reef safe, making them suitable inhabitants for reef aquariums. They generally do not pose a threat to coral or other invertebrates within the reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Spotted-gill cardinalfish, it is essential to provide ample hiding places like live rocks where they can seek shelter. The tank should have a minimum size of 150 liters to accommodate their needs adequately. Maintaining water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, and a 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 fights among themselves if there is insufficient space or food. Spotted-gill cardinalfish can form small shoals and are often found in pairs consisting of a male and female.

Feeding and Diet

Spotted-gill cardinalfish primarily feed on small crustaceans like Krill, Mysis, and Artemia. They also consume zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. In an aquarium setting, they are opportunistic feeders and will readily accept various types of food offered to them.

Dimorphism

While specific details about dimorphism were not provided, it is mentioned that Spotted-gill cardinalfish can live as pairs comprising a male and a female.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Spotted-gill cardinalfish are commonly found in the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and the Central/West Pacific region. They prefer areas with ample hiding spots and are known to be primarily nocturnal in behavior.