The Threadfin Cardinalfish – Zoramia leptacanthus is a small, colorful fish species found in the Indo-Pacific region. Its vibrant red body and elongated, thread-like fin rays distinguish it from other cardinalfish species. Reaching a maximum size of 6.0 cm, these fish are a popular choice for aquariums due to their attractive appearance and relatively peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Zoramia leptacanthus exhibits a striking red body with a faint, lighter red stripe running along its flanks. The most distinctive feature of this species is its elongated, thread-like first dorsal fin ray, which can extend far beyond the body, earning it the name “Threadfin” Cardinalfish. The dorsal fin contains 6-7 spines and 9-10 soft rays, while the anal fin features 2 spines and 9-10 soft rays.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Zoramia leptacanthus is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. Its typical depth range falls between 1.0 and 12.0 meters, placing it within the epipelagic zone, also known as the “sunlit zone.” This zone is characterized by abundant sunlight penetration, which supports diverse marine ecosystems. The Threadfin Cardinalfish is predominantly distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, a vast expanse of ocean encompassing the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and their connecting seas.
Taxonomy
The Zoramia leptacanthus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Kurtiformes, and Family: Apogonidae. The Teleostei is the largest and most diverse group of bony fish, encompassing over 20,000 species. The Kurtiformes is a small order containing cardinalfish, a group of fish that are mostly found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. The Apogonidae family, also known as cardinalfish, are distinguished by their characteristic red or orange coloration and elongated, thread-like first dorsal fin rays.
Feeding
The Zoramia leptacanthus is an omnivorous species, feeding on a wide range of small organisms. Its diet includes: Brine Shrimp Nauplii, Brine Shrimps, Clam meat, Copepods, Daphnia salina, Frozen Food (large sort), Frozen food (small sorts), Invertebrates, Krill, Living Food, Lobster eggs, Mosquito larvae, Mysis, and Zooplankton. This variety of food sources reflects the adaptability and opportunistic nature of the Threadfin Cardinalfish.
Image References