Yellow Striped Cardinalfish

The Yellow Striped Cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus properuptus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its slender body, striking horizontal yellow stripes, translucent fins, and active schooling behavior. Males typically develop slightly deeper coloration and are known to mouthbrood fertilized eggs, while females and juveniles are less vivid in color and more commonly seen schooling tightly for safety. They reach about 2.5 to 3 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 20 gallons, though larger tanks are ideal for groups.

Provide ample live rock with hiding spots, dim lighting, and open swimming areas, as they prefer shaded, low-traffic parts of the reef. Maintain stable water parameters with salinity around 1.020–1.025, temperature between 72–79°F, and pH around 8.1–8.4. A secure lid is essential since these fish may jump, especially at night or when startled.

Their diet should consist of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes. With proper care and a peaceful environment, the Yellow Striped Cardinalfish makes a beautiful and subtle addition to community and reef 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.