Ostorhinchus margaritophorus
Source: JJPhoto.dk
Ostorhinchus margaritophorus
Source: JJPhoto.dk


Latin name Ostorhinchus margaritophorus - (Bleeker, 1855)
Common name Red-striped cardinalfish
Family Apogonidae - Ostorhinchus
Origin Australia, Indonesia
Max length 6.5 cm (2.6")

As aquarium fish

Minimum volume 100 l (26 gal)
Hardiness Delicate
Suitable for aquarium Suitable for most aquarium
Reef safe Always reef safe
Aggressiveness Docile


  • Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...)

Sensitive during transportation


Hiding places




Singly or in a group

This fish can live on their own or in a group.

Hides in sea urchin spines

This species, on occasion, likes to hide in the spines of Diadema sea urchins.

Formerly classified as Apogon

Species are sometimes reclassified. This species was formerly classified as a member of the Apogon genus.

Family description (Apogonidae)

Cardinalfish come in many different shapes and colours, generally they are well suited for aquaria.

Cardinalfish have a large mouth and a big appetite, take this into account with feeding  the other fish. These fish typically live off of Artemia, Mysis and krill. In the aquarium they will eat anything they can.

They will sometimes eat small shrimps and fish, so do be aware of this, but it is not normally a problem.

It is possible to keep several species together, if space allows. Some species will form  small shoals. They are normally peaceful towards other fish, but will sometimes fight among themselves if there isn't sufficient space or food.

Many species are nocturnal and will therefore often seek a hiding place during the day. This can be between stones, SPS corals and, in some cases, in an anemone and between spines of Sea urchins.

Cardinalfish are a good choice if ones wishes to attempt to start a breeding tank.


Aquarium trade Rarely
Distribution Western Central Pacific: Indo-Malay Archipelago to Solomon Islands.
English common names Pearly cardinalfish, Red-striped cardinalfish

References and further reading

About references

Bob Fenner. Cardinalfishes, Family Apogonidae, Pt. 1Pt. 2 - Wet Web Media - (English)



docile shy, shoal group, cardinal
Just a moment...
Just a moment...