Five-Lined Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus) Care Guide
Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus is an Indo-Pacific cardinalfish with five black lines and a yellow tail base; it preys on small crustaceans and fishes at night.
Overview
Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus is a marine cardinalfish of the family Apogonidae, described by Cuvier in 1828. FishBase reports a maximum length around 13 cm; it is a nocturnal, reef-associated species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apogonidae
- Genus: Cheilodipterus
- Scientific name: Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Mozambique, east to the Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa, at depths of 0 to 40 m. It inhabits reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs, sheltering in dark crevices and among coral branches.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 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 reports that the species consumes small crustaceans, gastropods and small fishes, with a trophic level of about 3.9. Because it can take small fishes, tank mates should not be small enough to be eaten.
Compatibility
FishBase notes it occurs singly or in aggregations and shelters by day. It is generally peaceful toward similarly sized fishes and suits calm marine communities with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies, but should not be combined with 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 2021), as reported by FishBase.