Yellow Striped Cardinalfish - Medium

Yellow Striped Cardinalfish

The Yellow Striped Cardinalfish is a peaceful and underrated marine fish that shines brightest when kept in groups. With their slender bodies and brilliant horizontal yellow-gold stripes, these cardinalfish provide a shimmering, school-like effect that brings both motion and elegance to a reef tank. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, these fish are typically found hovering under ledges and among branching corals in tight-knit schools, where their reflective stripes help them blend into the dappled light of the reef.

Their silvery base colour is accentuated by five to six vivid yellow lines running from nose to tail, and their large reflective eyes add to their overall charming appearance. While not as flashy as some reef dwellers, their collective schooling behaviour and peaceful temperament make them a superb choice for aquarists wanting subtle movement and cohesion in their display.

These fish are ideal for nano reefs and large aquariums alike, and are particularly stunning when kept in groups of six or more. They are nocturnal by nature but adapt well to aquarium lighting schedules and will become more confident in the open once settled. They're easy to care for, making them perfect for beginner to intermediate hobbyists looking to diversify their reef tank with something a little different from the usual clownfish or gobies.

Tank Recommendations for your Yellow Striped Cardinalfish

Yellow Striped Cardinalfish grow to about 6-7 cm, and should be housed in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres, though larger groups will benefit from more space. They prefer aquariums with plenty of hiding spaces, such as live rock, coral crevices, and shaded overhangs. A peaceful reef environment is ideal, with subdued or indirect lighting (or ample cover) to mimic their natural reef conditions. These fish will be most active during dawn and dusk periods but will adapt well to aquarium routines.

Suitable Tank Buddies

These are very peaceful and social fish, best kept in small schools. They do not nip, compete aggressively, or bother corals or inverts, making them one of the best additions to a reef-safe aquarium.

Usually Compatible

Clownfish, gobies, blennies, small wrasses, firefish, other cardinalfish, dwarf angels, chromis.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger semi-aggressive species such as tangs or flame angels may outcompete them at feeding time or stress them in small tanks.

Rarely Compatible

Large predatory fish such as lionfish, triggers, or groupers. Avoid aggressive dottybacks or hawkfish that may view them as prey or harass them.

Feeding your Yellow Striped Cardinalfish

These fish are carnivorous micro-predators and thrive on a protein-rich diet. They readily accept frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and will adapt to high-quality micro pellets or flakes over time.

Feeding once or twice daily is recommended, with care taken to ensure food reaches them before faster tank mates swoop in. They're relatively slow and deliberate eaters, especially when new to the tank.