Gold Striped Cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus cyanosoma)

The Gold Striped Cardinalfish, also known as the Orange-lined Cardinalfish or Yellow-striped Cardinal, is a shimmering, peaceful schooling fish that adds a "warm glow" to the reef aquarium. Unlike many cardinalfish that are strictly nocturnal and hide during the day, this species is relatively active and visible, especially when kept in a group. They are prized for their metallic coloration and their fascinating "mouthbrooding" reproductive behavior.

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Key Information

• Common Names: Gold Striped Cardinal, Orange-lined Cardinal, Blue-eyed Cardinal

• Scientific Name: Ostorhinchus cyanosoma (formerly Apogon cyanosoma)

• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef)

• Max Size: 6–8 cm (approx. 3 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Very Peaceful; shy and non-aggressive

• Diet: Carnivore – Requires small, meaty foods

• Care Level: Easy

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Appearance & Identification

The Gold Striped Cardinalfish has a distinct, "pinstriped" look:

• The Stripes: Features six brilliant orange-to-gold horizontal stripes that run the entire length of its silvery-blue iridescent body.

• The Eyes: Large and expressive, often rimmed with a hint of neon blue or silver, which helps them see in lower light conditions.

• Body Shape: It has the classic "split" dorsal fin characteristic of the cardinalfish family, with a sleek, slightly compressed profile.

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Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• Schooling Nature: This fish thrives in groups of 5 or more. When kept in a shoal, they feel much more secure and will hover together in the mid-water column or near the protection of branching corals.

• Mouthbrooders: They are famous for their parenting. The male will carry the fertilized eggs in his mouth for several days until they hatch, during which time he will not eat.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They are a perfect choice for coral-heavy tanks as they will never nip at polyps or disturb sessile invertebrates.

• Tank Mates: Must be kept with peaceful tank mates. They are easily bullied by aggressive fish like large Damsels, Dottybacks, or aggressive Wrasses. Excellent companions include Anthias, Firefish, and peaceful Gobies.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75L–115L (20–30 Gallons) is recommended for a small shoal.

• Rockwork & Corals: Provide plenty of live rock with crevices and overhangs. They love to "hang out" under ledges or within the branches of Acropora or Seriatopora corals.

• Lighting: They prefer subdued to moderate lighting. If your reef is very bright, ensure there are shaded areas where the shoal can retreat.

• Flow: They prefer gentle to moderate flow. They are not strong swimmers and can become exhausted if forced to fight heavy powerhead currents all day.

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Dietary Needs

They have high metabolisms and are primarily planktivores:

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2 times daily.

• Preferred Foods: Small meaty items like frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafood.

• Dry Foods: They will usually accept high-quality marine flakes or small pellets once they are well-acclimated to the tank.