Cardinalfish · Apogonidae
Care levelIntermediate
Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
A silver-and-black cardinalfish with long fins and delicate white spotting. Its measured swimming style suits a calm aquarium with sheltered areas; captive-bred fish are a good option.
Slow feeding and aggression within its own species need observation.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
3 inchesAdult size
Generally peaceful; territorial with its own kindTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Distinctive markings and graceful fins.
- Generally safe around corals.
- Captive-bred individuals are available.
! Things to consider
- Adults may fight when kept in an incompatible group.
- A single fish or established pair is usually easier to manage.
- Slow feeders may be outcompeted by boisterous tank mates.
- Offer varied, appropriately sized meaty foods.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 3 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Provide sheltered hovering areas and room to retreat from a dominant fish.
- Tank maturity
-
1 month recommended
Fully cycled, stable aquarium. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- Sheltered rockwork, gentle resting areas and open hovering space.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Generally peaceful; territorial with its own kind
- Why this care level
- Slow feeding and aggression within its own species need observation.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Calm community fish; avoid fin-nippers, predators and overly competitive feeders.
- Alone, pair or group
- A single fish or established pair is generally simpler than an unplanned group.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally coral safe. - Shrimp safety
-
With caution
Caution with shrimp small enough to swallow. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; mysis and other small meaty foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer appropriately sized meaty food and watch each individual feed.
- Prepared or live food
- Frozen mysis and other small marine foods; some individuals need time to accept pellets.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 75-79 F (24-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- Keep room for pair formation and separation if individuals begin fighting.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Prefer captive-bred fish, confirm the food it accepts, and do not assume a group will remain peaceful.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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