Pajama Cardinalfish

[edit] Overview

This is a wonderful reef fish, chromatically bizarre, and one of the best species for beginning marine aquarists. This bold species will spend most of its time in full view. Regular feedings of color-enhancing rations, at least several times weekly, will help avoid loss of its fantastic coloration.

[edit] Feeding

Carnivore. Meaty foods, including chopped seafood, mysid shrimp, and frozen preparations for carnivores. Feed twice a day.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

The Pajama Cardinalfish is a nocturnal species that may take refuge among branching corals or near a crevice during the day, becoming more active and foraging for food at night. It is very disease-resistant and may spawn in the home aquarium.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Mouthbrooder. Aquarium spawning is not uncommon. Eggs are brooded in the male's mouth (buccal cavity), and fry emerge as fully developed miniatures of their parents.

See Banggai Cardinalfish.

[edit] Notes

This fish often does best when housed with members of its own kind. Group members will set up a pecking order, with the largest individual being the most dominant. Fortunately, ­aggressive exchanges within a social group usually consist of the occasional chase or nudge.

If you are hoping to acquire a male and female, it has been reported that males have a longer filament on the second dorsal fin than females (this has not been confirmed by ­internal examination). They usually ignore other fish species, although they may exhibit some mild aggression toward other cardinalfishes.

Category: Species