Blue Eye Candycane Cardinalfish

Blue Eye Candycane Cardinalfish

Species:
Ostorhinchus cyanosoma (often sold as Blue Eye Candycane Cardinalfish)

Common Names:
Blue Eye Cardinalfish, Candycane Cardinalfish, Yellow Stripe Cardinalfish

Origin:
Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea)

Adult Size:
~2.5–3 inches

Lifespan:
4–6 years with proper care

 

Appearance & Coloration

The Blue Eye Candycane Cardinalfish features a striking contrast of silver-white body coloration accented by bold vertical yellow to gold striping, reminiscent of a candy cane pattern. Its most captivating feature is its electric blue eyes, which shimmer under reef lighting and give this species its signature look. Subtle red or orange accents may be visible near the fins depending on lighting and mood.

 

Temperament & Behavior

Peaceful, calm, and reef-safe, this species is an excellent choice for community reef tanks. Blue Eye Candycane Cardinals are non-aggressive and do well with other peaceful fish. They are naturally shy and prefer hovering in sheltered areas, especially during daylight hours. While they can be kept singly, they are most confident and visually appealing when kept in pairs or small groups in larger aquariums.

 

Tank Size Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (single or pair)

• Recommended Tank Size: 50+ gallons for small groups

Plenty of rockwork, caves, and shaded overhangs will help them feel secure.

 

Placement & Habitat

These fish prefer mid-to-lower water columns and often hover near rock structures or coral branches. They thrive in reef aquariums that provide low-stress environments and dimmer zones to retreat into.

 

Lighting Requirements

• Lighting: Low to Moderate

They tolerate bright reef lighting well but appreciate shaded areas created by rockwork or corals.

 

Water Flow

• Flow: Low to Moderate

Avoid overly turbulent flow, as they prefer calmer water where they can hover comfortably.

Diet & Feeding

Blue Eye Candycane Cardinalfish are carnivorous planktivores.

 

Diet Includes:

• Mysis shrimp

• Brine shrimp

• Copepods

• Finely chopped seafood

• High-quality frozen and pellet foods

 

Feeding Frequency:
1–2 times daily. They adapt well to prepared foods once settled and are generally easy feeders.

 

Reef Compatibility

• Reef Safe: Yes

Completely safe with corals, shrimp, snails, and other invertebrates. Will not nip at coral polyps.

 

Care Level

Easy to Moderate

A hardy and beginner-friendly marine fish once acclimated properly. Stable water parameters and a stress-free environment are key to long-term success.

 

Compatibility Notes

Compatible with other peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, clownfish, firefish, and fairy wrasses. Avoid housing with aggressive or overly boisterous tank mates that may outcompete them during feeding.

 

Fun Fact

Unlike many reef fish, cardinalfish are mouthbrooders — the male carries fertilized eggs in his mouth until they hatch, making them one of the more fascinating fish to observe in established systems.