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Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
Photo: Rickard Zerpe · CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
110 L
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
8 cm
Group size
3+
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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
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
110 L
Aggression
Mild sparring within a group.
Feeding
Two small feeds daily; slow eater.
Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
110 L
Temperature
24–27 °C
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
Clownfish
Gobies
Cleaner shrimp
Avoid
Fast aggressive feeders
Dottybacks
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 ich
Iridovirus in wild stock

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