Banggai Cardinalfish

The Banggai Cardinalfish, *Pterapogon kauderni*, is a captivating and popular choice for the home aquarium. This striking fish is easily recognized by its elongated dorsal and anal fins, deeply forked tail, and distinctive black and white vertical barring across its body and fins. Its large, expressive eyes add to its charm.

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a single Banggai Cardinalfish, with larger tanks preferred for groups. They appreciate a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock providing caves and overhangs for hiding and perching. While generally peaceful, they can be territorial towards conspecifics, especially in smaller tanks. They are considered reef-safe and will not typically bother corals or invertebrates.

In the wild, Banggai Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders, with the male carrying the eggs and fry in his mouth. They have been successfully bred in captivity, making them a more sustainable choice than wild-caught specimens. There are no easily distinguishable visual differences between males and females.

The Banggai Cardinalfish is a carnivore and its diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods. Offer a mix of high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped marine fish or shrimp. They will also accept high-quality marine flake and pellet foods. Feed small amounts multiple times a day. In a home aquarium, they typically reach a size of around 3 inches.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pterapogon kauderni
• Care Level: Beginner
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe
• Region of Origin: Indonesia
• Maximum Adult Size: 3"
• Recommended Tank Size: 20 gallons