Longspine Cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacanthus)

[maysorum]

Does anyone have any experience with Longspine Cardinalfish? Any special requirements?

I have a 90 gallon and I'm thinking about getting a group (5-8). I haven't got these yet, but their hypothetical tank mates would be a trio of Carberryi Anthias (Nemanthias carberryi) and Tail Spot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura). I would add the cardinalfish first, then the anthias, and the blenny last.

I really like the Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus solorensis) too. Would adding one of these to the mix be to much fish for the tank?

 

[glassbox-design]

Longspine Cardinalfish are a terrific shoaling fish, provided they arrive in good condition. IME shipping is the largest stressor and reason for mortality with these fish, but once acclimated they do extremely well in groups and accept a wide variety of meaty fare.

It is common for this species to spawn in the aquarium, with males distinguished by their elongated and dropped draw--used for holding eggs. Occasionally you can find tank raised specimens from ORA. Unlike some Cardinalfish, Z. leptacanthus will not turn aggressive when mating.

They generally keep to themselves, but don't underestimate their bioload. These fish actually eat quite a bit! Based on the fish you have planned they should not be a problem in 90g aquarium, provided adequate filtration is provided. For more information try searching under Apogon leptacanthus. This species was recently "reclassified" to the Zoramia genus.

HTH.

 

[maysorum]

Thanks, they seem to be a good fit. Could you recommend a group size?

I definitely have more than adequate filtration and religiously perform 15 gallon water changes weekly.

 

[aznepydna]

I bought a group of five from Divers den going on two years ago. They are really cool fish and are always together. They are in a 140 gal reef.

Andy

 

[snorvich]

Longspine Cardinalfish are a terrific shoaling fish, provided they arrive in good condition. IME shipping is the largest stressor and reason for mortality with these fish, but once acclimated they do extremely well in groups and accept a wide variety of meaty fare.

It is common for this species to spawn in the aquarium, with males distinguished by their elongated and dropped draw--used for holding eggs. Occasionally you can find tank raised specimens from ORA. Unlike some Cardinalfish, Z. leptacanthus will not turn aggressive when mating.

They generally keep to themselves, but don't underestimate their bioload. These fish actually eat quite a bit! Based on the fish you have planned they should not be a problem in 90g aquarium, provided adequate filtration is provided. For more information try searching under Apogon leptacanthus. This species was recently "reclassified" to the Zoramia genus.

HTH.

What he said. I have two groups of them. Oh, and be sure and check out the website of glassbox-design, you will be glad you did!

 

[velvetelvis]

I've kept them before. Lovely little fish and very peaceful. They love company--the more shoal members, the happier they'll be.

 

[j2me5ku]

would i be able to keep 4 longspine cardinalfish in a 34G Solana? The only other tank mates would be a pearly jawfish and a neon goby.

 

[blackthunda77]

would i be able to keep 4 longspine cardinalfish in a 34G Solana? The only other tank mates would be a pearly jawfish and a neon goby.

Yes, thier bioload is next to nothing.

word of advice, best thing with these fish since they are usually poor shippers is to quarantine them for atleast 2 weeks and make sure they are eating voraciously before transferring them to the main tank. i started mine on brine shrimp, then transitioned them to mysis.

 

[copps]

A great fish... word of advice... get a large group... I wouldn't start with less than 10... their bioload as has been said is almost nothing... Buy them from Live Aquaria... which is always best but it makes a big difference on these, both for their original quality and the guarantee... here's my gang...

 

[Bret61081]

I started with 7 over 6 years ago...now down to 1. I need to find some more!

 

[64Ivy]

I have a shoal of 15-20. During the day, they seem to vanish into areas of heavy acro growth but toward the evening, they 'reappear' front and center and group pretty tightly in anticipation of dinner I suppose. Nevertheless, I find this behavior very interesting, very cool, and can't recommend these fish highly enough.

 

[blackthunda77]

A great fish... word of advice... get a large group... I wouldn't start with less than 10... their bioload as has been said is almost nothing... Buy them from Live Aquaria... which is always best but it makes a big difference on these, both for their original quality and the guarantee... here's my gang...

Beautiful!! This is the exact reason i think these fish are soooo underrated. Almost no LFS in my area carry them. I am lucky enough to live in south florida so there are a healthy handfull of LFS's in my area and the one i frequent the most was able to keep an eye out for them and got me 10 within a week. He said he never gets them because they just sit in his tanks, noone buys them. Such an underrated fish if you get 10 or more.

QT is very important i believe. I have had issue when using the dump and pray method of putting them in my tank. But this last batch i qt'ed them for 2 weeks with copper and matched the salinity which was on the low side i nthe bag they came in. thier feeding response was very healthy after the second morning and on day 3 they were eatign live brine like noones business. 2 sickly looking ones died the 1st day in QT, the rest are going strong on about 2 months i believe and i THINK im seeing courting behavior froma couple of them.....we shall see.