Care
The Harrow Cardinalfish is known from the sheltered lagoons and coral reefs of India, The Maldives, and Sri Lanka at depths between 10-22m (33-72 ft). This shy species is seldom seen in the trade, but well worth looking out for. The aquarium should be aquascaped with plenty of live rock, creating lots of shady hidey holes and overhangs (do ensure these are secure). The more places of safety available to these fish, the more you will see them out in the open, as they will learn that they can quickly retreat if necessary. Harrow Cardinalfish are a shoaling species and really should be maintained in small groups of at least 5-7 specimens, introduced simultaneously. Keeping these fish in decent numbers will not only make the fish less nervous, but will also result in a more effective, natural-looking display. It is important that tankmates are of a peaceful nature; they should not include large, carnivorous, or intimidating species (the latter which may prevent the cardinals from feeding). Harrow Cardinalfish are best kept in a reef situation, but not with any small ornamental shrimps; however, unlike many of their relatives, this species is less of a threat towards other small fishes and crustaceans. As with many cardinals, these large-eyed fish are active during the evening/night, and a period of blue moon lighting will enable you to observe their antics more closely after the main tank lights have been switched off. The
oxina part of the scientific name means harrow or rake and is in reference to the to the vertical bars on the side reaching the stripe, forming a rake-like pattern.
Feeding
Offer a variety of meaty items such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill/cockle/clam meat etc. Feed small amounts 3 times per day, with at least one of the feeds after lights out.
Breeding
Harrow Cardinalfish form distinct pairs during courtship and spawning. The male fish will mouthbrood the egg mass until hatching. The larvae are then released into the water column, where they develop for some weeks before settling out of the plankton. Once released, there is no further parental care.
