How difficult is it to keep Orange-lined Cardinalfish?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Orange-lined Cardinalfish?

The ideal temperature for Orange-lined Cardinalfish is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Orange-lined Cardinalfish?

The average lifespan of Orange-lined Cardinalfish is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Orange-lined Cardinalfish get?

Orange-lined Cardinalfish typically reaches Up to 6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Orange-lined Cardinalfish?

Orange-lined Cardinalfish feeds on: Frozen mysis and brine shrimp, small pellets (carnivore). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Orange-lined Cardinalfish?

The price of Orange-lined Cardinalfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Orange-lined Cardinalfish

Beginner

Ostorhinchus properuptus

A small cardinalfish with a translucent body and golden-orange longitudinal stripes, found in Japan from Kanagawa southward. Peaceful and group-living, it suits reef community tanks. Males brood the eggs in their mouths.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

Up to 6cm

Diet

Frozen mysis and brine shrimp, small pellets (carnivore)

About

The Yellowstriped Cardinalfish of the Japanese trade (Ostorhinchus properuptus) is a small cardinalfish of the Indo-Pacific, found in Japan from Kanagawa Prefecture south to Okinawa. It shelters under rocks and among sea urchin spines on clear coastal and outer reefs at 1-30 m (usually 1-14 m), and juveniles occur in harbors. The translucent body carries several golden-orange longitudinal stripes; the lower stripes are fused, which separates it from the closely related O. cyanosoma. Maximum length is 6 cm. It is nocturnal, hiding in rock crevices by day and feeding on small crustaceans at night. Like most cardinalfish it is a paternal mouthbrooder: after spawning the male holds the eggs in his mouth until they hatch, and this can be observed in the aquarium. It is hardy and easy to keep, but fins deteriorate in poor water, so keep the water clean with good filtration and a protein skimmer. It is peaceful, does not harass other fish and is harmless to corals and invertebrates, making it a good reef community fish. It forms small groups, so keeping several is preferable, but avoid aggressive tank mates or fish that are much larger.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Orange-lined Cardinalfish

The Orange-lined Cardinalfish lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Orange-lined Cardinalfish

The Orange-lined Cardinalfish grows to Up to 6cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Orange-lined Cardinalfish

The ideal temperature for the Orange-lined Cardinalfish is 24〜28℃.

Provide a tank of 75 L or more with live rock for shade, at 24-28°C.

Basic Info

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 24–28℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Min. Tank: 75 L

PeacefulReef safeGroup

Sources: Reeflings / Kaisuigyo Lab (JP) / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Ostorhinchus properuptus (Whitley, 1964)

Synonyms: Lovamia properupta, Apogon properuptus, Apogon properupta

Authority databases: WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.