Species Description…

Scientific Name: Sphaeramia Orbicularis

Common Name: Orbiculate Cardinalfish

Species Group: Cardinalfish

Habitat: Reef Safe

Care Level: Beginner

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet Type: Carnivore

Role in Aquarium: Community Fish

Max Fish Length: 4 (inches)

Min Aquarium Size: 30 (gallons)

Native Range: Indo-Pacific

Sphaeramia Orbicularis - The Orbiculate Cardinalfish

Sphaeramia Orbicularis (The Orbiculate Cardinalfish)

Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in shallow coastal waters, mangrove swamps, and sheltered reefs.
Recognized for its round, silver-colored body, adorned with dark horizontal bands and a prominent black spot near the base of the tail.
A peaceful species that thrives in small groups, making it an excellent addition to a community aquarium.
Exhibits nocturnal behavior, preferring to stay hidden during the day and becoming more active in the evening.
Best suited for aquariums with stable water conditions, live rock formations, and dim or moderate lighting.

Carnivorous, primarily feeding on plankton, small crustaceans, and marine invertebrates in the wild.
Thrives on a diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality marine pellets.
Readily accepts prepared foods and benefits from frequent small feedings throughout the day.
Should be fed at least twice daily to maintain energy levels and encourage natural foraging behavior.
A varied diet helps enhance its natural coloration and supports a strong immune system.

Prefers calm reef environments with overhangs, coral formations, and submerged structures for hiding.
Frequently seen schooling near rocky outcroppings, mangrove roots, or seagrass beds.
Aquarium setups should include live rock to provide natural hiding spaces and support social interactions.
Requires stable water parameters and effective filtration to ensure long-term health.
Providing dim lighting or shaded areas helps mimic its natural environment and reduces stress.

Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C) for maintaining health and activity.
Preferred pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a salinity level of 1.020-1.025.
Requires regular water changes and consistent maintenance to prevent waste buildup.
Reef-safe and does not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates.
Providing a peaceful environment with minimal aggression from tankmates ensures long-term well-being.

Highly social and best kept in small groups to exhibit natural schooling behavior.
Compatible with clownfish, gobies, wrasses, and other peaceful reef-safe species.
Should not be housed with overly aggressive fish that may cause stress or outcompete it for food.
Best suited for a well-balanced reef aquarium with non-aggressive tankmates.
Providing multiple rock formations and shaded areas ensures a comfortable habitat.

A calm and social species that enjoys swimming in groups and staying near coral formations.
Frequently observed hovering near rock crevices or darting between aquarium decorations.
More confident in a well-established aquarium with plenty of shelter and tankmates.
Providing dim lighting or moonlights encourages nighttime activity and foraging.
Over time, it may become accustomed to its caretaker and actively respond during feeding sessions.