Nine Banded Cardinalfish
Apogon novemfasciatus
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Cardinalfish
Family: Cardinalfish
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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 Nine Banded Cardinalfish
General information
The Nine Banded Cardinalfish (Apogon novemfasciatus) is a small, peaceful fish that is popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. They are native to the Western Pacific, specifically the waters around Fiji, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They typically grow to a size of about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length and have a lifespan of up to 5 years in captivity. This species is generally easy to care for and can be kept in small groups in aquariums of at least 20 gallons.
Diet & nutrition
There are no distinguishable differences in physical appearance between male and female Nine Banded Cardinalfish.
Determining sex
Breeding the Nine Banded Cardinalfish in captivity is challenging and requires specific conditions to be successful. They are known to spawn in small caves or crevices, laying adhesive eggs that hatch in about 5-6 days. Newly hatched fry can be fed rotifers and then moved on to newly hatched brine shrimp.
Breeding & spawning
The Nine Banded Cardinalfish is native to the Western Pacific, specifically the waters around Fiji, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Diseases
The Nine Banded Cardinalfish is generally a peaceful species and can be kept with other peaceful fish. However, it should not be kept with aggressive or territorial fish as it may become stressed or injured.
Origination
Proper acclimation is important when introducing the Nine Banded Cardinalfish to a new aquarium. It is recommended to slowly acclimate the fish to the new environment by floating the bag in the aquarium for at least 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature. After this, the fish should be slowly introduced to the new water by adding small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over a period of time.
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