Red Belted Cardinal
Apogon townsendi
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - Caribbean | Original price was: $58.99.$30.99Current price is: $30.99. | Email me |
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| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 2 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Red Belted Cardinal (Apogon townsendi) is a small Caribbean cardinalfish with a red to pink body that can look slightly translucent under aquarium lighting. Its “belted” look comes from the vertical bars near the tail, and it naturally uses caves and holes on the reef for cover.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering in place near a chosen overhang or crevice
- Short, controlled swims from shelter into open water and back
- Taking small meaty foods from the water column in unhurried bites
To do well with this species, provide live rock arranged with shaded ledges and multiple retreat spots so it can “park” itself comfortably. Offer a mix of small frozen meaty foods (like mysis) and make at least one feeding an evening feeding for a consistent routine.
Will it hide a lot in a brightly lit reef?
Many keepers see it spend more time out when it has shaded caves/overhangs available, especially once it settles into a regular routine.
Why does it hang around urchin spines or branching décor?
In the wild it’s often seen hovering in caves/holes and even among long-spined urchins, so similar “spiky” or branching structure can act like a comfort zone.
Can I keep more than one Red Belted Cardinal together?
They’re encountered alone or in groups in nature; in aquariums, adding them together and giving several separate hiding zones helps each fish choose its own spot.
Do they breed in home aquariums?
They can pair up, and like other Apogon species the male mouthbroods the eggs until they’re ready to be released.
How can I observe it after lights-out without turning the tank “fully on”?
A dim red flashlight is commonly used for brief viewing, since it lets you look in without flooding the aquarium with bright white light.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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