| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - Central Pacific |
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| Out of Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - Indo-Pacific |
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Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
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The Threadfin Cardinal (Zoramia leptacantha) is a small, translucent cardinalfish with subtle blue “eye glow” and fine blue/orange accents near the head. In a reef tank, it’s best known as a peaceful schooling fish that adds steady midwater motion when kept in a group.
What You’ll Observe:
- A tight group that hovers together in the water column, especially when kept in larger numbers
- The group using a cave, ledge, or shaded overhang as a daytime “home base,” then spreading out more at feeding time
- Quick, precise feeding strikes on small foods drifting in the current
- More natural “shoaling” behavior when the tank has both open swimming room and branching rockwork to gather around
Provide a calm aquascape with a sheltered overhang plus open water in front, so the group can settle in and stay visible. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and finely chopped seafood) along with appropriately sized pellets, and feed in modest portions so multiple fish can eat at once. For the most consistent group behavior, keep them in a proper shoal and introduce them together when possible.
Do Threadfin Cardinals actually school in a home aquarium?
They usually “shoal” (stay together loosely) rather than forming a single tight ball all day. The grouping looks most natural when you keep a larger number and give them both cover and open water to hover in.
Why do mine hide most of the day?
It’s common for them to choose a shaded ledge or cave as a daytime resting spot. Many become more visible around feeding time and under softer lighting transitions.
Can I buy one now and add more later?
They tend to settle in fastest when several are added close together and at similar size. If you add more later, adding multiple at once often helps the group blend more smoothly.
Will they mix with other cardinalfish species and still group up?
They can coexist with other peaceful cardinals, but they don’t always “match up” into one combined group. Many hobbyists find the best shoaling look comes from keeping one species together.
Do they spawn in captivity?
Pairs may form, and like many cardinalfish, the male can carry eggs in his mouth when spawning happens. During that period, you may notice one fish staying more reserved at feeding time.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.

Assorted Cleaner Snails Margarita Snail or Margarite, Green Spiral or Cat Eye Turbo Snail, Size Small