Spiny Head Cardinalfish

The Spiny Head Cardinalfish (Apogon urostigma) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its distinctive spiny head features, subtle coloration with muted stripes, moderate size, and nocturnal habits. Males typically develop a more pronounced mouth and engage in mouthbrooding behavior to protect the eggs, while females/juveniles display a more streamlined shape with less pronounced head spines and remain more secretive. They reach about 3 to 4 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons.

Provide a sandy substrate with abundant live rock formations and plenty of hiding spots, stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and a secure lid since many species are prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality marine pellets or frozen foods. With proper care, this fish makes a unique and charming addition to peaceful reef or species-specific marine 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.