Banggai Cardinalfish care

Pterapogon kauderni · Saltwater · Beginner level care

A calm, slow moving fish with bold spots, often kept as a pair.

Smallest tank30 gallons

Adult size3 inches

Temperature76 to 80°F

pH8.1 to 8.4

GroupA group of 2 or more

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsMiddle of the tank

Lives4 to 6 years

Watch for: Most are tank raised. Keep a pair or small group, and expect them to hover and hide.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets.

Fish that pass every check with Banggai Cardinalfish in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Maroon Clownfish: Maroon Clownfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Banggai Cardinalfish.
Blue Devil Damselfish: Blue Devil Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Banggai Cardinalfish.
Domino Damselfish: Domino Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Banggai Cardinalfish.
Orchid Dottyback: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Banggai Cardinalfish.

What size tank does a Banggai Cardinalfish need?

At least 30 gallons for a group of 2. Adults grow to about 3 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Banggai Cardinalfish like?

76 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Banggai Cardinalfish should I keep together?

Keep 2 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Banggai Cardinalfish eat?

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.