Iridescent Cardinalfish (Pristiapogon kallopterus) Care Guide
Pristiapogon kallopterus is a widespread Indo-Pacific cardinalfish of lagoon and seaward reefs that feeds at night on small crustaceans.
Overview
Pristiapogon kallopterus is a marine cardinalfish of the family Apogonidae, described by Bleeker in 1856 and formerly placed in the genus Apogon. FishBase reports a maximum length around 15.5 cm; it is a benthopelagic, reef-associated species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apogonidae
- Genus: Pristiapogon
- Scientific name: Pristiapogon kallopterus
- Common synonym: Apogon kallopterus
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea south to Algoa Bay, South Africa, east to the Line, Marquesan and Pitcairn Islands, north to southern Japan and the Hawaiian Islands. It inhabits clear-water lagoon patch reefs and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone down to about 45 m, with records to 158 m.
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 reports that the species feeds at night on small benthic and free-swimming crustaceans, with a trophic level of about 3.5. In the aquarium it accepts meaty marine foods.
Compatibility
FishBase notes that adults are often solitary. It is a peaceful species of the middle water column suited to calm marine communities with clownfish, tangs, wrasses and gobies, and should not be combined with large predators.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as a mouthbrooder with distinct pairing during courtship and spawning; the male incubates the eggs in his mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021), as reported by FishBase.