Description

Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)

The Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is one of the most elegant and peaceful marine fish available to reef aquarists. Known for its striking black vertical bars, shimmering silver body, and elongated fins tipped with white, this species brings a graceful and mesmerizing presence to any aquarium. Its slow, hovering swimming style and gentle nature make it a favourite for both beginner and experienced reef keepers.

Originating from the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, the Banggai Cardinalfish has become a popular choice due to its hardiness, manageable size, and compatibility with a wide range of tankmates. With an average adult size of 7–8 cm, it fits comfortably in nano, medium, and large reef aquariums. Its calm temperament and shoaling behaviour provide a peaceful contrast to more active marine species, creating a balanced and visually appealing display.

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Why the Banggai Cardinalfish Is a Top Choice for Reef Hobbyists

✨ Peaceful, Reef-Safe, and Beginner-Friendly

The Banggai Cardinal is fully reef-safe, making it ideal for coral-heavy aquariums. It ignores corals, clams, and invertebrates, and its gentle behaviour ensures it doesn’t intimidate smaller reef fish. Their ease of care makes them a great starter fish for new marine keepers while still highly valued by advanced hobbyists.

✨ Striking Pattern and Elegance

Distinctive black bars, pearly silver scales, and long graceful fins give this species a unique and captivating look. Its slow, gliding movement adds a calming, almost hypnotic beauty to the reef.

✨ Perfect for Small Groups

While they can be kept singly or as a pair, Banggai Cardinals display their most natural behaviour in small groups, forming loose shoals that enhance their visual appeal and social dynamics inside the tank. However, in smaller aquariums or confined spaces, dominance behaviour may occur—so stable groupings or pairs are recommended.

✨ Hardy and Adaptable

Banggai Cardinals tolerate a wide range of reef-safe water conditions. They adapt quickly to captive environments, readily accept prepared foods, and thrive with stable parameters and good husbandry.

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Care Requirements

Banggai Cardinals are straightforward to care for and do extremely well in well-maintained reef systems.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–26°C

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: Kept low

Consistency and gentle flow help replicate their natural habitat.

🪸 Tank Environment

• Minimum tank size: 80L for a single or pair

• Plenty of hiding spots via rockwork

• Calm areas with low to moderate water flow

• Compatible with peaceful and semi-peaceful species

Their hovering swimming behaviour means they prefer stable, quiet zones in the aquarium.

🍤 Diet

Banggai Cardinals are carnivores and thrive on a varied diet that includes:

• Mysis shrimp

• Brine shrimp (preferably enriched)

• High-quality marine pellets

• Frozen marine blends

Regular feeding ensures optimal colour, growth, and vitality.

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Temperament & Compatibility

The Banggai Cardinalfish is considered peaceful, making it suitable for most community reef tanks. It coexists well with:

• Gobies

• Clownfish

• Blennies

• Wrasses (peaceful varieties)

• Dwarf angels

• Other small, non-aggressive fish

They are fully reef-safe and pose no threat to corals or invertebrates. They may prey on very tiny ornamental shrimp, but this is uncommon compared to predatory species.

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A Calm, Beautiful, and Reef-Safe Marine Favourite

The Banggai Cardinalfish is an exceptional addition to any reef aquarium—peaceful, hardy, and visually striking. Its beautiful coloration and tranquil swimming make it a standout species that enhances both nano and large reef systems. Ideal for beginners and experts alike, this fish remains one of the most beloved small marine species in the hobby.

Bring elegance, harmony, and reef-safe beauty to your aquarium with the Banggai Cardinal.

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