Cardinalfish
Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
Elegant, slow-moving schooler with striking bars and a forked tail fin. Peaceful; keep in odd-numbered groups to spread chases. Males mouthbrood the eggs.
Difficulty
intermediate
Adult size
Up to 8 cm
Temperament
Peaceful; schooling
Minimum tank
120+ litres
Diet
Carnivore — frozen mysis and enriched brine; can be slow to take pellets
Lifespan
5+ years
Water parameters
- Temperature75–80°F
- Specific gravity1.024–1.026
- pH8.1–8.4
Species-specific requirements override general saltwater guidelines.
Natural habitat
Endemic to the Banggai Islands, Indonesia — shallow seagrass and coral habitat
Care notes
Prefers dimmer tanks with overhangs. The species is endangered in the wild (IUCN) — we source only captive-bred stock.
Sourcing & ethics
Banggai cardinalfish are classified Endangered by the IUCN. We offer captive-bred specimens only and never wild-caught imports.
Captive-bred stock seasonally available; confirm before ordering.
Compatibility
Keep with caution
“Caution” reflects likely aggression or predation — outcome depends on tank size, order of addition and individual temperament.