Meteor Cardinalfish

The Meteor Cardinalfish is a charming and delicate species known for its semi-transparent body adorned with distinctive dark vertical stripes and a yellowish hue. When light passes through its partially translucent body, it creates a shimmering, ethereal effect that is particularly beautiful under reef aquarium lighting. The dark stripes running vertically along the body provide a bold contrast against the translucent golden background, making this one of the more visually interesting small cardinalfish species.

In the wild, Meteor Cardinalfish are found throughout the Western Pacific, primarily around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. They form dense schools among branching corals, sea urchin spines, and rocky overhangs, where the group provides safety in numbers against predators. They are nocturnal feeders that shelter within the reef structure during the day and emerge at dusk to feed on tiny zooplankton in the water column. Their natural schooling behavior is one of their most appealing attributes for aquarium display.

In the home aquarium, the Meteor Cardinalfish is hardy and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginner marine aquarists interested in keeping a schooling species. A group of five or more individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons creates a beautiful natural display. They are completely reef-safe and their small adult size of around 3.5 inches means they pose no threat to any corals or invertebrates. Their peaceful temperament allows them to coexist with virtually any non-aggressive community tankmate.