Yellowfin Cardinalfish

The Yellowfin Cardinalfish is an attractive species distinguished by its bright yellow-tinted fins that contrast beautifully with its silvery-pink body. The yellow coloration is most prominent on the pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins, creating a warm accent that gives the fish its common name. The body itself is a soft pinkish-silver with subtle iridescence, and the cheeks often display a golden hue that inspired the alternate common name of Gold-cheek Cardinalfish.

This species is native to the Western Pacific, where it inhabits coral-rich reef environments from Indonesia and the Philippines through Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It forms small to medium-sized schools among branching corals and rocky formations, hovering in the water column during the day and becoming more active feeders at dusk and throughout the night.

The Yellowfin Cardinalfish is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for species that adapts well to aquarium life. Its combination of subtle body coloration and bright yellow fin accents creates an understated elegance that appeals to aquarists who appreciate nuanced beauty. When kept in groups, the coordinated schooling of these fish with their yellow fins flashing creates a lovely, dynamic display in the reef aquarium.