Five Lined Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus)

The Five Lined Cardinalfish, also known as the Toothed Cardinalfish, comes from the reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs of Fiji. They have a long slender shape and are an iridescent silver color. The large black striped eyes are offset by a bright yellow and black spot near the tail which confuses possible predators which way the fish is facing.

A 50-gallon or larger aquarium with a cave and peaceful tank mates is suitable for this slow and methodical swimmer. It tends to hide in sea grass or other plants, or may use long spined urchins (Diadema setosum) for camouflage. If a 6 foot aquarium is available, it will handle a small group of this species. As a group, they will establish a strict hierarchy without aggressiveness.

In the wild, the Five Lined Cardinalfish diet includes benth crustaceans, zoobenthos, different kinds of mobile invertebrates and small fishes. In the home aquarium, serve a well-balanced diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp,flake foods, pellet foods, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on its size, live feeder fish.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"