Moluccan Cardinalfish

The Moluccan Cardinalfish is a delicate and attractive species characterized by its silvery body marked with fine dark longitudinal lines running from head to tail. These subtle but precise stripes give the fish a refined appearance, complemented by a slightly pinkish or amber tint that adds warmth to its overall coloration. Named for the Moluccas (Maluku Islands) of Indonesia where it is commonly found, this species represents the understated elegance that makes cardinalfish such popular aquarium residents.

In the wild, Moluccan Cardinalfish are found throughout the Western Pacific, primarily around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. They form dense schools among branching corals and rocky overhangs on sheltered reef slopes and lagoons. During the day, they cluster tightly together within the protection of coral structures, venturing out at dusk to feed on tiny zooplankton and small crustaceans in the water column. Their tightly packed schooling behavior provides protection from predators through the confusion effect of many identical fish moving together.

In the home aquarium, the Moluccan Cardinalfish is hardy and straightforward to maintain, making it suitable for beginner aquarists. A group of five or more individuals in a tank of at least 20 gallons creates a natural and appealing schooling display. They are completely reef-safe and pose no threat to corals or invertebrates. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal community fish, though they should be protected from aggressive or overly boisterous tankmates that could intimidate these gentle schoolers.