Oblique-banded Cardinalfish

The Oblique-banded Cardinalfish is a charming and distinctive species recognized by its series of oblique dark bands that run diagonally across its semi-transparent body. These angled stripes, which give the species both its common name and its visual identity, create an unusual and eye-catching pattern that sets it apart from the more commonly seen horizontal or vertical striping found on other cardinalfish species. The body displays a warm golden to pinkish translucent base that allows the bands to stand out prominently.

In the wild, the Oblique-banded Cardinalfish is found throughout the Western Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It forms dense schools among branching corals, sheltered reef overhangs, and around pier pilings in protected lagoons and bays. Like other Archamia cardinalfish, it is a nocturnal species that shelters within the reef structure during the day and emerges at dusk to feed on small zooplankton in the water column. The tightly packed schooling behavior serves as protection from predators.

In the home aquarium, the Oblique-banded Cardinalfish is hardy and easy to care for. A group of five or more in a tank of at least 20 gallons creates a beautiful and natural schooling display. They are completely reef-safe and their small adult size means they are no threat to any corals or invertebrates. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal candidates for community reef tanks, particularly nano reefs where their unique oblique banding pattern can be fully appreciated at close range.