Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
Also called Kaudern's cardinalfish
Calm and slow-moving with other species, but adults can be squabbly with their own kind, so they need either a single fish, a pair, or generous space.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 7.6 to 8.6 cm (3 to 3 in)123 |
| Lifespan | 1 to 4 years2 |
| Coat | Tall-finned cardinalfish with a deeply forked tail |
| Origin | Indonesia: the Banggai Islands off eastern Sulawesi, plus a few small islands near Taliabu and the Luwuk area; an introduced population lives in the Lembeh Strait12 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
Calm and slow-moving with other species, but adults can be squabbly with their own kind, so they need either a single fish, a pair, or generous space.3
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Banggai Cardinalfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Looks how to spot one
Tall-finned cardinalfish with a deeply forked tail
An elegant, silvery fish with three crisp black bars across the head and body, black leading edges on the long fins, and a sprinkling of pearly white spots on the fins and rear body. The first dorsal fin has a tasselled look and the tail is deeply forked.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A methodical, hovering swimmer that likes to stay close to shelter rather than cruising open water.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Give it cave-like rockwork or branching shelter to hover near, keep tankmates peaceful and offer meaty foods daily.3
Home where they are happiest
Minimum about 30 US gallons (114 L) with cave-like rockwork. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivore. Wild fish eat small bottom-living and drifting crustaceans, probably at night; in the aquarium offer meaty foods such as mysis, chopped seafood and bloodworms.13
Company who they like around
Wild fish gather in loose groups of a few to several dozen around sea urchins. In aquariums they are best kept singly, as a pair or with peaceful tankmates because adults may quarrel with their own kind.23
The story where it all began
Koumans described the species in 1933. It became a popular aquarium fish and has been bred in captivity since the mid-1990s; captive-bred fish now make up most of the supply.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Fathers are mouthbrooders, carrying up to about 90 eggs and then the young in their mouth for around a month.2
- 2
Unlike most reef fish, the babies skip the drifting plankton stage and are released as tiny ready-made fish about 8 mm long.1
- 3
Young fish shelter among the spines of long-spined sea urchins and dart into them when danger appears.1
- 4
In the wild it lives in very shallow water, typically only 1 to 2 metres deep over sand and seagrass.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Endangered (assessed 2007), mainly because of collection for the aquarium trade; most fish now sold are captive bred1
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Banggai Cardinalfish?
Feed your Banggai Cardinalfish daily with small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding every day to keep it healthy and happy.31 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Banggai Cardinalfish eat, and what should it never eat?
This carnivore enjoys meaty foods like mysis, chopped seafood, and bloodworms. It should never be given plant-based foods or flakes not meant for carnivores; for specific guidance, ask a vet or good breeder.31
How much space does a Banggai Cardinalfish need?
Your Banggai Cardinalfish needs at least a 30 US gallon (114 L) tank with cave-like rockwork for shelter. This gives it room to hover and feel secure.3
What temperature, light or water does a Banggai Cardinalfish need?
Keep saltwater at 22 to 26°C (72 to 78°F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, alkalinity 8 to 12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Lighting needs are not specified, but moderate light is fine.3
How often should I clean a Banggai Cardinalfish's home?
Clean the glass weekly, test water weekly, and change 10 to 20% of the water every two weeks. Pet Wiki's starting plan also includes daily top-ups with fresh RO water to replace evaporation. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Banggai Cardinalfish live with others?
Yes, it can live with peaceful tankmates, but it is best kept alone, as a pair, or in a spacious tank if with its own kind. Adults may squabble with each other, so avoid aggressive fish.32
How long does a Banggai Cardinalfish live?
Your Banggai Cardinalfish can live 1 to 4 years with proper care. Enjoy its elegant presence during that time.2
Can I handle a Banggai Cardinalfish?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can cause injury. If you must move it, use a net gently; for specific advice, ask an exotic-pet vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Pajama CardinalfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Pterapogon kauderni summary fishbase.seused for origin, size, diet, reproduction, habitat, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Banggai cardinalfish en.wikipedia.orgused for history, description, lifespan, social behaviour, captive breeding
- LiveAquaria: Kaudern's Cardinal liveaquaria.comused for care, water parameters, tank size, temperament, colour
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.