Banggai cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni · Apogonidae
Also known as Kaudern's cardinal
Intermediate
Slow, striking and best in a small group; buy captive-bred — wild stocks are endangered.
In short: A Banggai cardinalfish needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated intermediate to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 8 cm (3.1 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Reef safe with adult shrimp.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Aggression
- Mild sparring within a group.
- Feeding
- Two small feeds daily; slow eater.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 4–8 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, enriched brine, small pellets.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Banggai Islands, Indonesia
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Sheltered seagrass and urchin beds
- Natural conditions
- Low flow, dim shelter.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishGobiesCleaner shrimp
- Avoid
- Fast aggressive feedersDottybacks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males have a wider lower jaw when brooding.
- Notes
- Male mouthbroods for around 20 days and releases fully formed young.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichIridovirus in wild stock
Will it fit your tank?
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