Cardinal

Cardinalfish, members of the family Apogonidae, are small, nocturnal marine fish commonly found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, particularly coral reefs and coastal lagoons of the Indo-Pacific region.

Characterized by their disproportionately large eyes, deeply forked caudal fins, and often iridescent or banded coloration, cardinalfish are well adapted to low-light conditions. They are predominantly carnivorous, feeding on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and other minute invertebrates during nighttime hours. Notably, many species exhibit paternal mouthbrooding behavior, wherein males incubate fertilized eggs within their buccal cavities to ensure higher rates of offspring survival. Their docile temperament, striking appearance, and unique reproductive strategies contribute to their popularity in the marine aquarium industry.