Banggai Cardinal

Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)

Overview

The Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is a small, striking marine fish recognized for its silver body, bold black stripes, and long, elegant fins. Native to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, this species inhabits shallow coastal waters, often near sea urchins and branching corals.

Banggai Cardinalfish are peaceful, slow-moving, and relatively hardy, making them a popular choice for community and reef aquariums.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (115 litres)

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate:< 10 ppm

• Aquascape: Provide plenty of hiding places with live rock, coral branches, or artificial caves; moderate swimming areas

Banggai Cardinalfish thrive in stable, well-established aquariums with gentle water flow and secure hiding spots.

Diet and Feeding

Banggai Cardinalfish are carnivorous and benefit from a varied diet:

• Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood

• High-quality marine pellets or flakes formulated for carnivorous species

• Feed small portions 2–3 times daily

Frequent feeding is important to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Temperament and Compatibility

Banggai Cardinalfish are peaceful and well-suited to community tanks. They may form small groups or pairs and prefer calm tankmates.

Tankmate Recommendations:

• Suitable: Gobies, blennies, firefish, small anthias, and other peaceful fish

• Avoid: Large or aggressive predatory species

Providing ample hiding spots reduces stress and promotes natural behavior.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

Banggai Cardinalfish are reef safe and do not harm corals, invertebrates, or sessile organisms, making them ideal for reef aquariums.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 8 cm (3 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

• Natural Behavior: Peaceful, slow-moving, often schooling or forming small groups

• Origin: Banggai Islands, Indonesia

The Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is a small, peaceful, and visually appealing marine fish that enhances community and reef aquariums with striking colouration and elegant fins. With stable water conditions, a varied diet, and secure hiding places, it thrives as a long-lived and engaging member of the aquarium community.