Banggair Cardinalfish
The Banggai Cardinal fish is a beautiful marine fish that comes from the Indo-Pacific, mainly around the Banggai Island. They have a silver body with black vertical stripes and are covered in small white spots. This fish is very close to being on the endagered species list, most you find in the fish store are tank raised. I do NOT recommend buying Banggai Cardinal Fish that are wild caught.
In the aquarium, make sure your tank is established before you add them. Make sure to provide a lot of hiding places as well, live rock works great to build caves! If you decide to buy multiples, be sure to have a large enough tank. If your aquarium isn’t big enough, you will probably see aggression. This fish is also pretty easy to breed in the aquarium if you are trying to mate your pair. See below for addition water parameters and information. Join Wet Talk forum if you have any questions or would just like to chat with other fish hobbyists!
Banggai Cardinal Fish Care
Scientific Name: Pterapogon kauderni
Natural Habitat: Indo-Pacific.
Common Names: Banggai Cardinal Fish, Kaudern’s Cardinal fish, Longfin Cardinalfish.
Beginner Fish: Yes, care level is easy to moderate.
Adult Size: Up to 3 inches.
Life Span: 5 Years.
Tank Mates: Keep with small peaceful fish. They can be kept in a small school if your fish tank is large enough.
Tank Size: 30 gallons and up.
Tank Region: Middle to top of the aquarium.
Water Temperature: 75°F – 82°F
Water pH: 8.1 – 8.4
Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
Carbonate Hardness: 8-12°
Feeding: They are mainly carnivores that feed off of small crustaceans in the ocean. When you first introduce them into your aquarium, you may have trouble getting them to eat. Start with frozen and live foods, then get them on vitamin enriched flake foods. Just try different foods that your local fish store suggests.
Reef Compatible: They do not cause problems for corals.
