CheckMyFishTank

Pajama Cardinalfish care

Sphaeramia nematoptera · Saltwater · Beginner level care

Pajama Cardinalfish, painted illustration

A peaceful, spotted cardinalfish that is active at night.

Smallest tank30 gallons
Adult size3.5 inches
Temperature75 to 80°F
pH8.1 to 8.4
GroupA group of 3 or more
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives4 to 6 years
Watch for: They can be shy, so give them cover and calm tankmates.

Feeding

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

Good tank mates

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

Banggai CardinalfishBicolor BlennyClark's ClownfishGreen ChromisMidas BlennyNeon GobyOcellaris ClownfishPercula ClownfishRoyal GrammaSix Line Wrasse

Do not mix with

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

Questions

What size tank does a Pajama Cardinalfish need?

At least 30 gallons for a group of 3. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Pajama Cardinalfish like?

75 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 Pajama Cardinalfish should I keep together?

Keep 3 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.

What do Pajama Cardinalfish eat?

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

Sources

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