The Orange Stripe Cardinal, Ostorhinchus properuptus, also known as the Yellow Stripe Cardinalfish or the Golden Stripe Cardinalfish, has a blueish silver colored body featuring several orange-yellow stripes from head to tail, and translucent dorsal and anal fins. Their body is also a different shape than the traditional Cardinalfish, being long and slender rather than short and taller. 

The Orange Stripe Cardinal is a slower swimmer, and extremely peaceful in nature, and should be housed with other reef safe, and peaceful tank mates. Because of their timid nature, they are a great choice to house with Seahorses and Pipefish. They can grow to be about 3" fully mature, and should be kept in a tank with plenty of live rock or plants to offer hiding places during the day. The Orange Stripe Cardinal has a nocturnal living habit and will be most active during the night.

Since the Orange Stripe Cardinal is very social, they do best in small groups or schools of even numbers often pairing up, as long as they are placed in an appropriate sized tank of no less than 20 gallons for one pair, and can be kept in a tank of 10 gallons individually. Larger tanks could allow for larger schools, and like many other schooling fish, the Orange Stripe Cardinal will form a strict hierarchy when kept in small groups within the aquarium. Although some species do use aggression to exert dominance, this member of the family Apogonidae does not. They are an excellent choice for beginner aquarists as they are active, friendly, easy to care for, and easily adapt to captive feeding. Orange Stripe Cardinals are carnivorous, and should be fed a diet of vitamin enriched Brine or Mysis shrimp, along with other finely chopped meaty preparations. They will also eat Copepods if present in the tank, and fully mature adults may pick at smaller benthic inverts. If you are finding the Cardinalfish is having difficulties eating, it can be best to offer food at night.

Orange Stripe Cardinal (Ostorhinchus properuptus): A Comprehensive Guide to Saltwater Aquarium Care

The Orange Stripe Cardinal (Ostorhinchus properuptus) is a stunning and vibrant addition to saltwater aquariums, admired for its captivating coloration and unique characteristics. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore essential aspects of their care, providing valuable insights into their habitat, dietary needs, compatibility with other marine life, and why acquiring them from Saltwaterfish.com is a wise choice for enthusiasts.

Habitat and Natural Environment of the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

Originating from the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, Orange Stripe Cardinals are often found in coral-rich areas with sandy substrates. Emulating their natural habitat in captivity involves creating an environment with live rock structures, coral formations, and open spaces to ensure their well-being and natural behaviors.

Reef Compatibility and Behavior of the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

Known for their peaceful nature, Orange Stripe Cardinals are considered reef safe, making them an excellent choice for reef aquariums. Their schooling behavior adds a dynamic and visually appealing dimension to the tank, making them a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts.

Size, Lifespan, and Sexual Dimorphism of the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

With an average size of around 2 inches, Orange Stripe Cardinals exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism. Under proper care conditions, they can live for several years, providing enthusiasts with enduring joy and fascination as they thrive in the saltwater aquarium environment.

Diet in Captivity for the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial for the health and vibrancy of Orange Stripe Cardinals. They readily accept high-quality marine pellets or flakes and can be supplemented with frozen or live brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. A varied diet contributes to their overall well-being and enhances their striking orange coloration.

Aquaculture and Availability of the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

At Saltwaterfish.com, we prioritize responsible sourcing. Orange Stripe Cardinals available through our platform come from reputable aquaculture facilities and sustainably collected wild specimens. This ensures the availability of acclimated and robust fish, promoting sustainable practices in the marine aquarium hobby.

Tank Requirements for the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

For an optimal environment, a minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended for Orange Stripe Cardinals. Incorporating live rock structures, caves, and coral formations provides suitable hiding places. Maintaining stable water parameters, including a pH of 8.1-8.4, salinity between 1.020 and 1.025, and a water temperature of 74°F to 78°F, is crucial for their well-being. Moderate water flow should be maintained for their comfort.

Juvenile to Adult Coloration Changes of the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

Juvenile Orange Stripe Cardinals may display subdued colors, with the vibrant orange stripe becoming more prominent as they mature. The transition to adulthood sees the emergence of their striking coloration, making them a visually captivating addition to any saltwater aquarium.

Compatible Tank Mates for the Orange Stripe Cardinal:

Creating a harmonious community is essential for the well-being of Orange Stripe Cardinals. They coexist well with peaceful tank mates such as clownfish, gobies, and other cardinalfish species. Avoiding aggressive or territorial species ensures a stress-free environment.

Why Choose the Orange Stripe Cardinal from Saltwaterfish.com?

Saltwaterfish.com is committed to ethical sourcing and meticulous care. Our Orange Stripe Cardinals undergo a comprehensive quarantine process, ensuring they are disease-free and acclimated to aquarium life. By choosing Saltwaterfish.com, you invest in the health and vibrancy of your aquarium, contributing to responsible practices in the marine aquarium hobby. Purchase your Orange Stripe Cardinal with confidence, knowing you are acquiring a healthy and vibrant specimen for your saltwater aquarium.