Ring-Tailed Cardinal
Ostorhinchus aureus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $49.99.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. | Email me |
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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 | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 40 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Ring-Tailed Cardinal is a copper-to-gold cardinalfish with a dark facial stripe and a bold black bar at the base of the tail. It’s a reef-associated species that spends much of the day tucked under ledges or in rock crevices, then becomes more active as the tank lighting dims.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering in the shade of overhangs, then moving out into the open during evening hours
- Short, quick feeding runs into the water column when small foods drift by
- Pairing behaviors, with two fish often sharing the same preferred shelter
- A steady, “holding” posture near rockwork when resting between feeding times
To do well, provide rockwork with caves and overhangs so it always has a shaded retreat. Offer small meaty foods (like finely sized frozen options) and feed when the fish is naturally out and cruising, especially around dusk. If keeping more than one, introduce them together and give multiple shelter spots so each fish can claim a comfortable space.
Will it hide all day in a reef tank?
Many hobbyists report they spend the brightest part of the photoperiod under ledges, then become noticeably more present when lights ramp down or ambient room light is lower.
Can I keep more than one, or is it better as a single fish?
Keepers often have the best results by adding multiples at the same time and providing several “equal” hiding spots so no single shelter becomes the only premium territory.
How can I tell if one is mouthbrooding?
A male may hold eggs in his mouth and look like he’s “chewing” or keeping a fuller jawline; during that time, hobbyists commonly note reduced interest in food.
Do they take frozen foods quickly?
Many cardinalfish keepers have good success once the fish recognizes a consistent feeding routine; smaller pieces tend to get a faster response than large chunks.
Do they stay in the rockwork, or will they swim in the open?
Owners often describe a pattern of hovering near a favorite cave/ledge with regular forays into the water column, especially when food is introduced.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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