Blue-eyed Cardinalfish

The Blue-eyed Cardinalfish is an attractive and hardy species recognized by its laterally compressed body, pale silvery coloration with distinctive dark horizontal bands, and its namesake striking blue eyes. Found throughout the Western Pacific, this species inhabits sheltered lagoons and reef slopes where it forms loose aggregations among branching corals and long-spined sea urchins. Its subtle beauty and peaceful demeanor make it an excellent choice for community reef aquariums.

In the wild, Blue-eyed Cardinalfish are nocturnal predators that shelter among coral branches during the day and emerge at dusk to feed on tiny crustaceans and zooplankton. This natural behavior carries over to the aquarium, where they tend to hover near rockwork and coral formations during daylight hours, becoming more active as the lights dim. They are schooling fish that do best when kept in small groups of three to five individuals, which encourages more natural behavior and reduces stress.

This species is an ideal cardinalfish for beginners due to its hardiness, peaceful temperament, and willingness to accept a variety of prepared foods. Unlike the more commonly seen Banggai Cardinalfish, Blue-eyed Cardinalfish are generally less aggressive toward conspecifics and can be maintained in small groups without the territorial disputes that plague other species. They are completely reef-safe and will not bother corals, clams, or other invertebrates.