Longspine Cardinalfish
Zoramia leptacantha
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Cardinalfish
Family: Apogonidae
Log in or create an account to add this species to your tanks.
Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Longspine Cardinalfish
General information
The Longspine Cardinalfish is a small saltwater fish species found in the Western Pacific Ocean. They have a silver body with black stripes and long spines on their dorsal fin. The average size of this fish is about 3 inches in length, and they are a peaceful species that can be kept in a community aquarium.
Diet & nutrition
The Longspine Cardinalfish is omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small pieces of fish or shrimp. They should be fed small amounts multiple times a day.
Determining sex
It is difficult to determine the sex of the Longspine Cardinalfish visually.
Breeding & spawning
Longspine Cardinalfish can be bred in captivity, and a mated pair will lay their eggs on a flat surface. The eggs will hatch within a few days, and the fry can be fed small planktonic foods.
Diseases
The Longspine Cardinalfish is generally hardy and not prone to any specific diseases. However, like all saltwater fish, they can be susceptible to parasitic and bacterial infections.
Origination
The Longspine Cardinalfish is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, including areas around Fiji, Tonga, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Cautions
The Longspine Cardinalfish is a peaceful fish species and should not be housed with aggressive tank mates. They can be kept in groups, but care should be taken to ensure they have enough hiding places to reduce aggression between individuals.
Acclimation process
When introducing the Longspine Cardinalfish to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly to prevent shock. They should be drip acclimated for about an hour before being introduced to the tank.
All photos
Tap a photo to open the gallery viewer.