Frostfin Cardinal
Ostorhinchus hoevenii
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Frostfin Cardinal (Ostorhinchus hoevenii) is a small, reef-safe cardinalfish from the Indo–West Pacific that’s commonly seen holding close to structure.
Its large eyes and compact body make it a natural fit for aquariums built with caves, overhangs, and coral-like décor where it can “post up” and watch the tank.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering in place under ledges, then easing out into open water
- Quick, precise dashes to grab food when it drifts by
- A steady routine of returning to the same “home” spot each day
- Calm body language around other peaceful community fish
To help it settle in quickly, provide plenty of rockwork and shaded retreats so it always has a comfortable holding area. Offer small meaty foods in a few short feedings, and use a calm, consistent feeding spot so it learns where to meet you. With stable reef parameters and low competition at mealtime, it becomes a reliable, easygoing presence in the display.
Why does my Frostfin Cardinal hover in one spot for long periods?
This is typical cardinalfish behavior. Many individuals choose a favorite ledge or corner and treat it like a “home base” between feeding passes.
Is it normal for this fish to be more visible at dusk or after lights-out?
Yes. Many cardinals become more comfortable roaming when the tank is dimmer and other fish are less active.
How can I tell if my Frostfin Cardinal is mouthbrooding?
A mouthbrooding fish may keep its mouth slightly “full,” skip grabbing food for a bit, and stay close to its chosen shelter while it holds the brood.
Can I keep more than one Frostfin Cardinal, and should I add them together?
Small groups can work well when they’re introduced at the same time. Adding them together helps them sort out spacing without one fish “owning” the best spot first.
What’s the easiest way to make sure it gets its share of food in a busy tank?
Feed in two areas of the tank so faster fish don’t intercept everything. A gentle baster-fed cloud near its hangout spot also works well once it recognizes the routine.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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