Bandfin cardinalfish - Apogon menesemus

Species Name: Apogon menesemus

Synonym: Pristiapogon taeniopterus, Amia taeniopterus, Apogon taeniopterus, Amia menesema, Apogon menesemus, Apogon menesemops

Common Names: Bandfin cardinalfish

Family: Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes)

Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)

Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned Fishes)

Max. Size: 15.0 cm / 5.9 inches

Environment: Marine reef

Origin: Western and Eastern Indian Ocean, Northwest, Western Central and Eastern Central Pacific

Temperament: Harmless

Company: Apogon menesemus (Bandfin cardinalfish) should not be kept with large predators.

Aquarium Setup: Apogon menesemus (Bandfin cardinalfish) like lower temperatures better, but 72-78 degrees F. is fine. They must be given a dark shelter under which it can hide during the day. Keep nitrate, nitrite and ammonia levels as low as possible. Brisk filtration is usually necessary.

Food: the Bandfin cardinalfish feeds on zoobenthos, benth crustaceans, small fishes and invertebrates (particularly crustaceans). In an aquarium, you can feed your Bandfin cardinalfish shrimps, small fishes and other fresh and frozen meaty foods. Apogon menesemus (Bandfin cardinalfish) can also be trained to eat frozen processed foods. Avoid dry prepared foods, such as flakes and pellets.

Breeding: We are unable to provide any information about Apogon menesemus (Bandfin cardinalfish) breeding in aquariums.