Banggai cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
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Suggested Tank
30+ gallons
Max Size
3 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
The Banggai cardinalfish is a striking saltwater fish with a silver body marked by bold black vertical bands and white spots, along with long elegant fins. It is a slow-swimming species popular in marine aquariums and is well known for its calm nature and unique appearance.
Reef Safe
Yes
Environment
Requires stable marine water conditions with temperatures around 72-82 F, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, moderate water flow, and plenty of hiding places among rockwork or long-spined decor.
Behavior
Generally calm and slow-moving, often hovering in place. Can be kept singly or as a bonded pair, but may become territorial or aggressive toward other Banggai cardinalfish in smaller tanks.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews
Jan
@jan
Easy to keep, very peaceful
Ben
@Benny
I absolutely love the colors on this fish, the way they swim and school. Very incognito, won’t bother any other fish. One of my favorite fish.
BristleWormHater
@BristleWormHater
A little boring, not personally my favorite. Definitely a decent fish for a beginner!
Danny
@Danny342
Mine hides behind the lip of the filter during the day
Jared
@Babado
Love these fish! Great mid tank action and movement. They are mouth brooders and have had babies from them in my tank!
Corbin Swinney
@CorbinSwinney17506
This fish is a must have staple, very easy to care but from experience seems to mostly eat frozen food and nips a little at flakes very nice colors just chills in the tank and is a model citizen.
Christian
@Christian27484
Very cute and peaceful fish. They occupy the top half of the tank usually which a lot of fish don’t.
Hudsonvalleyreefing
@Hudsonvalleyreefing
One of the quintessential reef fish . They do like to hover in a lower flow area but come out aggressively for feeding time.
Brittany
@Brittany24950
Ours mostly hid but they’re super peaceful and add a unique element to the tank with how they swim.
Qwarex
@Qwarex
This fish is a must have fish, some call it boring but i find it very unique shaped and the pattern is angelic, they dont swim much, they like to hover in one spot most of the time. They are quite shy and you should keep them in pairs. I find it to be a peace keeper, always put my royal gramma in its place whenever it was aggressive to smaller fish.
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Banggai cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
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