Orbiculate Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia orbicularis) Care Guide
Sphaeramia orbicularis is an Indo-Pacific cardinalfish of sheltered coastal shores and mangroves, reaching about 10 cm.
Overview
Sphaeramia orbicularis, the orbiculate cardinalfish, was described by Cuvier in 1828. It is a cardinalfish of the family Apogonidae reaching a maximum total length of about 10 cm, distinguished by a dark vertical band across the body and scattered dark spots toward the tail.
Taxonomy
- Family: Apogonidae
- Genus: Sphaeramia
- Scientific name: Sphaeramia orbicularis (Cuvier, 1828)
- Common names: Orbiculate cardinalfish, polka-dot cardinalfish
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to Kiribati, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia. It is restricted to shallow sheltered coastal waters among mangroves, rocks, debris and piers at depths of 0-5 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (40 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 10 cm total length (FishBase)
- School size: keep in small groups (3 or more)
- Lifespan: 3-8 years
Diet
FishBase describes the species as a nocturnal feeder on planktonic crustaceans, with a trophic level of about 3.6. In aquaria it accepts meaty frozen and prepared foods, ideally offered when the tank lights are dimmed.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, mid-water cardinalfish that is most settled in small groups. It should be kept with similarly calm tankmates and away from large predatory fishes.
Breeding
FishBase reports paternal mouthbrooding: males incubate up to about 12,000 eggs for roughly eight days, with spawning on semi-lunar cycles. Females reach sexual maturity at about 6 cm and males at about 7 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2021).