Copper Cardinalfish

The Copper Cardinalfish is a warm-toned Caribbean species that displays a beautiful coppery-orange to golden coloration across its compact body. Found throughout the Caribbean Sea and adjacent waters, this species is typically encountered on shallow reefs, among seagrass beds, and around pier pilings where it shelters in small groups during the day. Its rich metallic hue sets it apart from many of its more subdued Indo-Pacific relatives and makes it a sought-after species for Caribbean biotope aquariums.

In the home aquarium, the Copper Cardinalfish is an easy-to-maintain species that settles in rapidly and accepts prepared foods without difficulty. It is a peaceful, somewhat shy fish that appreciates plenty of rockwork and hiding places. Like other cardinalfish, it tends to be crepuscular and nocturnal, becoming most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. Keep it in small groups to encourage social interaction and reduce stress, though it can also be maintained as a single specimen in smaller setups.

This species is completely reef-safe and poses no threat to corals or invertebrates. The Copper Cardinalfish is an ideal addition to Caribbean-themed reef tanks or general community aquariums. Its peaceful nature and warm coloration complement a wide variety of tankmates, and its hardiness makes it forgiving of the occasional minor fluctuation in water parameters that can challenge more sensitive species.