Kaudern's Cardinalfish. How many?

[Zenchi]

I have a 210 gallon reef tank and am looking to add Kaudern's Cardinalfish at some point in the future.

Long term tank plans include purple tang, hippo tang, yellow tang, 2 picaso or black snowflake clowns, a few green chromis, royal gramma, mandarin goby, and CUC and mixed corals.

I've seen bonded pairs listed for the cardinalfish and not sure if this would mean they need to pair off or if I bought a few juvenile captive bred they would live more harmoniously. Ideally I was looking to add 4 but wanted to double check before doing so. Thanks.

 

[ichthyogeek]

In a large tank like yours, they'd probably shoal. It's only in smaller tanks where it starts to become a problem with competition between the fish. But they might also pair up as well. For the best odds, I'd recommend getting either two pairs, or 1 female and three males. You could also buy six fish, and return two after pairing has happened.