Ochre-striped Cardinalfish (Apogon compressus) Care Guide
Apogon compressus is a nocturnal Indo-West Pacific cardinalfish that shelters near branching corals; juveniles mimic Cheilodipterus species.
Overview
Apogon compressus is a marine cardinalfish of the family Apogonidae, described by Smith and Radcliffe in 1911. FishBase lists it under the current valid name Ostorhinchus compressus and records it from the Indo-West Pacific. It reaches about 12 cm in total length, with a common length near 8.5 cm, and has a white or pinkish body bearing roughly six red-brown stripes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apogonidae
- Genus: Apogon
- Scientific name: Apogon compressus
- Current valid name (FishBase): Ostorhinchus compressus (Smith & Radcliffe, 1911)
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges from Malaysia eastward to Palau and the Solomon Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef, at depths of 2 to 20 m. It occurs in small groups among or near mounds of branching corals.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Group size: at least 3 individuals
- Lifespan: 3-8 years
Diet
FishBase classifies the species as carnivorous, with a trophic level of about 3.5. As a nocturnal cardinalfish it feeds at night; in captivity it accepts meaty marine foods.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, schooling species that holds the middle water column. FishBase notes that juveniles mimic larger Cheilodipterus species through their coloration. It suits calm communities with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies, and should be kept away from large predators.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as a mouthbrooder with distinct pairing during courtship and spawning, and reports that it has been successfully reared in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009), as reported by FishBase.