Glass Cardinalfish

Glass Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia orbicularis), also commonly known as the Orbiculate Cardinalfish: 1. Appearance & Coloration Coloration: They feature a translucent, pale silvery or greenish-grey body with a distinct dark vertical saddle or bar running across the middle of the body, followed by numerous small dark spots scattered toward the tail. Morphology: They possess a rounded, compressed body shape with large eyes adapted for low-light vision and tall dorsal fins. Size: They grow to a compact adult size of about 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 cm). 2. Native Origin & Habitat Geography: They are native to the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from East Africa and Madagascar through Southeast Asia to Indonesia, New Guinea, and northern Australia. Environment: Found in sheltered coastal waters, mangrove estuaries, silty lagoons, and shallow protected reef areas among branching corals, jetties, and pilings. 3. Tank Requirements Minimum Tank Size: Requires an aquarium of at least 30 to 40 gallons to provide stable water parameters and peaceful hiding spaces. Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F – 78°F (22°C – 26°C) Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.020 – 1.025 pH: 8.1 – 8.4 Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock with caves, overhangs, and shaded areas where they can comfortably hover. They prefer subdued lighting and gentle water movement. 4. Diet & Feeding Natural Diet: Nocturnal or crepuscular hunters feeding on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and benthic microfauna. Captive Diet: Readily accepts standard aquarium fare. Offer a varied carnivorous diet consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and high-quality small pellets or flakes. 5. Reef Compatibility Status: Reef Safe Behavior: Completely safe with corals, clams, anemones, and sessile invertebrates. They will not disturb the aquascape or nip at corals. 6. Temperament & Tank Mates Temperament: Extremely peaceful, slow-moving, and docile. They are social fish that often do best when kept in small groups or pairs in adequately sized systems. Compatibility: Excellent community fish for peaceful setups. They pair well with docile tank mates such as gobies, dartfish, blennies, and small clowns. Avoid keeping them with aggressive, hyperactive, or boisterous fish that will outcompete them during feeding time.