Black Cardinalfish
Apogonichthyoides melas
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Cardinalfish
Family: Apogonidae
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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 Black Cardinalfish
General information
The Black Cardinalfish is a small saltwater species that can grow up to 3 inches in length. They are typically black in color with a few white spots on their dorsal fin. Black Cardinals are peaceful fish that can be kept in small groups in a tank of at least 20 gallons. They require a well-filtered tank with plenty of hiding places and moderate to high water flow.
Diet & nutrition
Black Cardinalfish are carnivorous and will eat a variety of meaty foods such as small live or frozen prey like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped fish. They should be fed multiple times per day in small amounts.
Determining sex
There is no visual difference between male and female Black Cardinalfish.
Breeding & spawning
Black Cardinalfish are difficult to breed in a home aquarium, and it is recommended to leave breeding to experienced aquarists. Spawning typically occurs at night, and the eggs will be scattered throughout the tank. The eggs will hatch in about 24 hours, and the fry will need to be fed small live foods.
Diseases
Black Cardinalfish are generally hardy and not prone to specific diseases. However, they can be susceptible to common saltwater diseases like ich, velvet, and fin rot. It is important to quarantine any new fish before adding them to the main tank and to maintain proper water quality to prevent disease.
Origination
Black Cardinalfish are found in the western Pacific Ocean, specifically in the waters around Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Cautions
Black Cardinalfish are not known to be harmful to humans or other fish.
Acclimation process
When introducing Black Cardinalfish to a new tank, it is important to properly acclimate them to prevent shock and stress. This can be done by slowly adding small amounts of water from the new tank to the bag they are in over a period of time, typically 30 minutes to an hour.
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