Pajama cardinalfish
Sphaeramia nematoptera · Apogonidae
Also known as Spotted cardinalfish
Beginner
A comic patchwork of stripes and spots that hovers in the open all day once settled.
In short: A pajama 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 beginner 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.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Aggression
- Peaceful.
- Feeding
- Evening feeds suit its nocturnal habit.
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, brine, small pellets.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Western Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Branching coral heads in calm lagoons
- Natural conditions
- Low to moderate flow.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishGobiesChromis
- Avoid
- Aggressive damselsLarge predators
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Very hard to sex.
- Notes
- Male mouthbrooder; fry take rotifers.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichPoor shipping condition
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