Ostorhinchus kiensis

Datasheet

General Description

The Rifle cardinal, scientifically known as Ostorhinchus kiensis, belongs to the Apogonidae family. These cardinalfish come in various shapes and colors, making them a visually appealing addition to aquariums. They have a large mouth and a hearty appetite, typically feeding on Artemia, Mysis, krill, and various other foods available in aquarium settings.

Aquarium Suitability

Rifle cardinalfish are generally considered suitable for most aquarium setups. They are peaceful towards other fish but may engage in intra-species conflicts if space or food is limited. It is advised to provide sufficient hiding spots for them, such as between live rocks or amongst SPS corals, as they tend to be nocturnal and seek shelter during the day.

Demands

This species requires good hiding places and appreciates spaces like live rocks and anemones where they can retreat for shelter. They have a moderate hardiness level and are known to hide among anemones, showcasing their natural behavior even in aquarium environments.

Care and Hardiness

Rifle cardinalfish have an average hardiness level, making them suitable for aquarists with varying levels of experience. It is important to consider their potential threat towards small crustaceans like small shrimp if housed together in the same tank.

Reef Suitability

These cardinalfish are deemed reef-compatible and are considered reef-safe, making them a viable option for reef aquariums.

Aquarium Setup

To create a suitable habitat for Rifle cardinalfish, it is recommended to provide ample hiding places like live rocks and anemones. Maintaining water conditions within the parameters of a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness level of 8-12 dKH is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Rifle cardinalfish are known for their docile temperament, making them ideal tankmates for a variety of other fish species. They may form small shoals if space permits and are generally peaceful towards other tank inhabitants.

Feeding and Diet

In terms of feeding, these cardinalfish primarily consume small crustaceans such as krill, Mysis, and Artemia. Their diet can be supplemented with zooplankton like Cyclops and pods to ensure a balanced nutritional intake.

Habitat and Distribution

The Rifle cardinalfish is primarily found in the Northwest Pacific region, including areas such as Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. They are known to inhabit regions with anemones and live rocks, where they can seek shelter and exhibit their natural behaviors in the wild.