Fragile Cardinalfish, also known by its scientific name Zoramia fragilis, is a type of fish found in the Indo-West Pacific region.
Sometimes, this fish is sold in the aquarium trade. Fragile cardinalfish like to live in calm lagoons and bays, often hiding near branching corals or inside reef crevices.
This fish likes to swim together in large groups and sometimes mix with other species of fish.
Fragile cardinalfish is active at night and is safe for coral reefs.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Fragile Cardinalfish Interesting Facts
- Found in the Indo-West Pacific region, fragile cardinalfish lives in calm lagoons and bays near coral reefs.
- Growing up to 1.7 inches (4.3 centimeters) long, this fish has a semi-transparent body with occasional blue spots and a black spot at its tail fin base.
- Fragile cardinalfish is nocturnal and safe for coral reefs, often swimming in large mixed-species groups.
- This species practices mouthbrooding, where males carry eggs in their mouths during courtship and spawning.
Fragile Cardinalfish Habitat
Fragile cardinalfish is a tropical fish found in the Indo-West Pacific region.
Its habitat ranges from East Africa to Samoa, including areas north like the Yaeyamas and south like the Great Barrier Reef.
This fish lives in marine environments near reefs and is found at depths of 1 to 15 meters.
Its geographical range is between latitudes 25°N to 27°S and longitudes 32°E to 168°W.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Fragile Cardinalfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.7 inches (4.3 centimeters)
Fragile cardinalfish is a small fish that grows up to a maximum length of 2.2 inches (5.5 centimeters) but is commonly found around 1.7 inches (4.3 centimeters) long.
This fish has 7 dorsal spines, 9 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and around 9 to 10 anal soft rays.
Its body color ranges from semi-transparent to whitish or silvery on the sides. Sometimes blue spots are found near its gills and behind its front fins.
There’s also a black spot at the base of its tail fin.
Fragile Cardinalfish Reproduction
Fragile cardinalfish carries its eggs in its mouth, which is called mouthbrooding.
When it’s time to mate and lay eggs, these fish form pairs and show specific behaviors for courtship and spawning.
Fragile Cardinalfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Kurtiformes |
| Family: | Apogonidae |
| Genus: | Zoramia |
| Scientific Name: | Zoramia fragilis |
| Also Known As: | Fragile Cardinalfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |