Twospot Cardinalfish

The Twospot Cardinalfish is a charming species distinguished by two prominent black spots on its body, one near the base of the second dorsal fin and another on the caudal peduncle. These well-defined spots stand out clearly against the fish's translucent pinkish-silver body, creating simple but effective identification markings. The overall coloration is warm and subtle, with hints of pink, peach, and silver shimmering across the body.

This species is native to the Western Pacific, where it inhabits sheltered reef environments, lagoons, and areas with rich coral growth. Like its close relative the Twobelt Cardinalfish, it forms schools among branching corals and rocky formations. The Twospot Cardinalfish is closely associated with Acropora and other branching corals in the wild, using them as shelter from predators and currents.

In the aquarium, the Twospot Cardinalfish is a hardy and easy-to-keep species that adapts quickly to captive conditions. It is peaceful, accepts prepared foods readily, and displays attractive schooling behavior when kept in groups. Its manageable size and undemanding care requirements make it an ideal choice for beginning marine aquarists looking to add interesting schooling behavior to their reef tanks.