International Aquatics
Girdled Cardinalfish
Girdled Cardinalfish
🛡️ International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee
All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. For size preference please add a note on your order and we will match your fish to your requested size. If you just want the fish without our QT process, Please email us directly with your order number. Please note this does waive the 15 day guarantee.
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The Girdled Cardinalfish (Archamia zosterophora) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its translucent silver body accented with horizontal dark stripes and a distinctive girdle-like black bar across its midsection. Males typically display slightly stronger contrast in coloration and are known for mouthbrooding eggs during breeding, while females and juveniles exhibit more subdued markings and remain in tightly-knit schools.
They reach about 2.5 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, especially when kept in small groups, which helps reduce stress and promotes natural schooling behavior.
Provide ample live rock for shelter, open swimming areas, and subdued lighting, as this species prefers calm environments and low light conditions. Maintain stable water parameters:
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Salinity: ~1.020–1.025
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Temperature: ~72–79°F
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pH: ~8.1–8.4
A secure lid is essential, as Girdled Cardinalfish are prone to jumping when startled.
Their diet should consist of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, along with high-quality micro pellets or flakes. They may feed more readily during dusk or under dim lighting. With proper care, the Girdled Cardinalfish makes a peaceful and visually striking addition to reef and community aquariums.
International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.
Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.
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