Aquarium enthusiasts have come to love the small but colorful species of cardinal fish, scientifically known as Tanichthys albonubes. This fish gives life to any freshwater tank with its vibrant colors and serene disposition.
The cardinal fish, which was first found in Chinese streams, can be kept in many different types of aquariums. It is a great option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its resilience and versatility.
The cardinal fish is renowned for its active schooling behavior, which goes beyond its beauty and makes it enjoyable to watch as it swims elegantly with its friends. The Cardinal fish is a great option if you want to start your first aquarium or add some color to an already-existing one.
- Habitat and habitat
- Description
- Size:
- Behavior and compatibility
- Aquarium
- Water parameters:
- Feeding
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Breeding
- Video on the topic
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Habitat and habitat
Southern China’s mountain reservoirs are their natural habitat.
This species is most likely restricted to the Pearl River Delta area. The location type "White Cloud Mountain, Kwantung, China" refers to the Snow White Cloud Mountain, also known as Baiyun Mountain or Baiyunshan, which is located a few miles north of Guangzhou City in Guangdong Province, China.
Fears of the species’ extinction were aroused by the fact that it was not recorded anywhere between 1980 and 2001; however, a number of relict populations have been found in isolated parts of northeastern Vietnam’s coastal Guangdong Province and Quang Ninh Province.
On Hainan Island, in Hainan Province, which is divided from Guangdong by the 30-kilometer-long Qiongzhou Strait, another population was found in 2007.
Inhabits shallow, clear water with a dense aquatic vegetation in the springtime in slow-moving tributaries of rivers fed by mountain streams. able to endure in water as cold as 5°C.
The species is included in China’s Red Book and is regarded as endangered. Every fish that is sold is a product of commercial breeding.
Description
The body is slim and extended. The lower jaw protrudes slightly, but the mouth position is terminal. Not a barbershop. Body greenish-brown, belly silver. All fins have a greenish background in general, with a bright red mark on the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is situated just above the anal fin line, behind the body’s midline. Shiny stripes that stretch from the head to the tail cover each side of the body.
A glossy blue stripe that appears on the side of fry when they grow to a length of 4-5 mm vanishes when they reach sexual maturity.
Size:
30–40 mm is the maximum standard length.
Tanichthys albonubes, commonly known as the Cardinal, is a hardy and colorful freshwater fish that is well-suited for novice and expert aquarium keepers alike. Its peaceful disposition, ability to thrive in a variety of tank conditions, and eye-catching colors make it a favorite fish in community aquariums.
Behavior and compatibility
Among the most well-liked fish for aquariums. It stands out for its vivid coloring, compact size, modesty, and tranquility. It looks great in an ordinary aquarium with quiet neighbors.
Since this fish naturally schools, it is best to buy a group of at least ten specimens. These fish will become less fearful if kept in such large numbers, and their behavior will also become more efficient and organic.
Aquarium
You will require an aquarium that is at least 60 by 30 cm in size, or larger.
A school of ten to fifteen individuals should have an extended aquarium of thirty liters with clean water and plenty of vegetation, even though a pair can be kept in a three-liter jar.
Though the best coloration is displayed in an aquarium with thickets of small-leaved vegetation and a dark substrate, the choice of décor is not very significant.
Prefers a semi-dark environment; adding some floating plants, some branched driftwood, and some leaf litter will also be welcomed and add to the more organic vibe.
Water parameters:
Climate: 18 to 25 °C pH range: 6.0 to 8.0 Intensity: 5–19 °DGH
Prolonged exposure to warmer temperatures will probably shorten life expectancy.
Requires filtration and aeration; it is best to establish a light current. Weekly water changes are recommended for fresh water systems.
Feeding
Wild specimens’ stomach analyses have revealed that they consume other zooplankton, worms, and tiny insects for food.
Although they can eat anything in an aquarium, their color and ideal conditions indicate that they should eat small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia on a regular basis in addition to high-quality dry flakes and pellets, some of which should include plant material.
Sexual Dimorphism
It’s difficult to tell what sex someone is. Males typically have brighter colors and slimmer bodies than females. While the female’s anal and dorsal fins are triangular and wedge-shaped, the male’s are broad and fan-shaped.
During the spawning season, the female’s abdomen gets rounder and fuller.
Breeding
Fish in community aquariums that are perpetually underfed from inactivity need particular circumstances in order to reproduce.
Males and females are therefore moved into different containers in the spring, ten to fifteen days ahead of the anticipated breeding season. Three-liter jars filled with fresh, settled water that is periodically aerated can serve as the breeding grounds, where the fish are continuously fed small live food. The water temperature is kept between 22 and 23 °C.
Two females and one male make up a family of cardinals. Two families are ready for spawning to prevent any mishaps. The female fish is the first to show signs of readiness; her abdomen becomes noticeably rounder.
One or two families can use a low aquarium holding 5–6 liters of water as a spawning ground. The bottom of the vessel is covered with a layer of well-washed coarse-grained river sand, about 1/4 of the capacity is allocated for small-leaved plants, such as feather-leaf or hornwort. Planting Ludwigia, water fern, and hygrophila in the ground are also excellent choices.
While fresh water can be used, it is best to prepare spawning water by mixing equal parts “old” and fresh (settled) water. The temperature of the water is not any colder than when the fish were getting ready to spawn. It has a tiny 20–25 cm level. a lighting that is moderate.
When fish are placed in the spawning ground, they become lively right away, and the males start their courtship ritual, which involves gracefully turning around the females. The fish’s liveliness increases when the water temperature reaches up to 25°.
Two days are possible for sprouting. A single female can spawn up to thirty eggs during this time. The producers are once again put in separate containers and given intensive feedings with live food if you require a second spawn after the first, and there can be up to ten with 8–12 day intervals. The fish are housed in a communal aquarium following spawning.
It takes 30 to 50 hours for eggs to incubate. based on the temperature of the water, which shouldn’t change significantly.
Cardinal larvae are so tiny that they are hardly perceptible to the unaided eye. These crumbs hang motionless on a specific substrate for up to two days during the larval period.
Infusoria or another type of starter food is fed to the swam fry.
The average lifespan is five years.
| Aspect | Details |
| Scientific Name | Tanichthys albonubes |
| Common Name | Cardinal Fish |
| Size | Up to 4 cm |
| Temperature | 18-22°C |
| pH Level | 6.0-8.0 |
| Tank Size | At least 40 liters |
| Diet | Omnivorous, eats flakes, small pellets, and live food |
| Behavior | Peaceful, suitable for community tanks |
| Lifespan | Up to 5 years |
A tiny, colorful fish that adds a pop of color to any aquarium is the cardinal. Both novice and expert aquarists will find it to be a great choice due to its hardiness and peaceful nature.
Your Cardinals will flourish if you provide them with clean water and a well-planted area. They will add life and movement to your tank as they swim in groups, and you will enjoy watching their lively behavior and shimmering colors.
The Cardinal is a charming and low-maintenance addition that will brighten your underwater world, whether you’re starting a new aquarium or thinking of adding some variety to an already existing one.
