Pajama Cardinal

Sphaeramia nematoptera

(4)

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Suggested Tank

20+ gallons

Max Size

3 inches

Difficulty

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Description

The Pajama Cardinalfish, also known as the Spotted Cardinalfish or Polka-dot Cardinalfish, is a small, colorful species of saltwater fish. It is known for its unique pattern of colors, with a greenish-yellow face, bright red eyes, and a silver body with black polka dots.

Reef Safe

Yes

Environment

The Pajama Cardinalfish prefers a tank with plenty of hiding spots and low light conditions, reflecting its natural habitat of coral reefs and lagoons. The water temperature should be kept between 72-78°F, with a pH level of 8.1-8.4.

Behavior

This fish is nocturnal and tends to be more active during the night. It is a peaceful species that can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive species. The Pajama Cardinalfish is also known to be a mouthbrooder, with males carrying the eggs in their mouth until they hatch.

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Owner Reviews

Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Eats anything, prefers flakes

As peaceful as they come. Mine stay visible throughout the day, but tend to hover in the water column near ledges and caves. Can be bothered by fast-swimming and more aggressive fish. Not the most exciting fish in terms of activity and movement, but very attractive and won’t pose a threat to any of its fellow inhabitants. Pros: interesting color pattern, peaceful Cons: can be picked on and have fins nipped by other species, will often hide in caves during the day Availability: most places have them

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Moderate Visibility
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👍 Yes
What You Feed: Pellets, mysis

I have a mature, solitary pajama cardinal that came with my tank setup. While not the most exciting fish, he has grown on me as he's gotten used to his new surroundings. He's not a terribly active fish and tends to hang around the back of the tank behind the rock, but he does emerge when I'm around and beg for food. He'll eat mysis straight out of the end of my pipette. He's definitely more active at night, but I haven't had a problem with feeding him during the day. He is peaceful but does "nip" at the two clowns I have when they eat his food and tries to referee when they fight.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Moderate Visibility
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Jasia17750

Jasia

@Jasia17750

5 months ago
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👎 No
What You Feed: Frozen

Nice looking fish but sometimes hard to see as it typically only stays out for feeding then later goes to the shaded corners of my tank. Not a bad fish I just wouldn’t buy again for the sole fact that you can get something cooler and more active.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Hides Frequently
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 20 Gallons
billy

Billy

@billy

8 months ago
Overall Rating:
Would Buy Again: 👎 No
What You Feed: Frozen Mysis, PE Mysis pellets

The Pajama cardinal is a cool looking fish but I would not buy them again. They dont swim much and are not very exciting to watch. Also something about their red eyes throws me off lol. I also did not realize they were nocturnal until months after I bought them.

Reef Safe: Yes
Visibility: Nocturnal
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons

Price History

Average Price:
$ 49.29
Image Title Price Company Sold Date Action
Pajama Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
$ 35.00 Live Aquaria Apr 4, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
$ 21.00 Live Aquaria Apr 3, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
$ 35.00 Live Aquaria Mar 30, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinalfish Group
Pajama Cardinalfish Group
$ 70.00 Live Aquaria Mar 26, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
$ 28.00 Live Aquaria Mar 24, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinal
Pajama Cardinal
$ 21.00 SaltwaterFish.com Mar 21, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinalfish Group
Pajama Cardinalfish Group
$ 70.00 Live Aquaria Mar 18, 2025 View
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
$ 40.00 Fragbox Corals Mar 17, 2025 View
Pajama Cardinal Trio
Pajama Cardinal Trio
$ 180.00 Ocean Devotion LA Mar 15, 2025 View
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
$ 40.00 Candy Corals Nov 19, 2024 View
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
$ 40.00 Fragbox Corals Nov 16, 2024 View
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
$ 40.00 Fragbox Corals Sep 26, 2024 View
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
Captive Bred Pajama Cardinal
$ 40.00 Fragbox Corals Aug 8, 2024 View
Pajama Cardinal
Pajama Cardinal
$ 30.00 Candy Corals Mar 15, 2024 View

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Pajama Cardinal

Sphaeramia nematoptera

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