How difficult is it to keep Banggai Cardinalfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Banggai Cardinalfish?

The ideal temperature for Banggai Cardinalfish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Banggai Cardinalfish?

The average lifespan of Banggai Cardinalfish is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Banggai Cardinalfish get?

Banggai Cardinalfish typically reaches 6-8cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Banggai Cardinalfish?

Banggai Cardinalfish feeds on: Frozen food, pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Banggai Cardinalfish?

The price of Banggai Cardinalfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Banggai Cardinalfish

Intermediate

Pterapogon kauderni

Silver body with black vertical bars and star-like white spots. Unique mouthbrooding behavior. Ideal kept as pairs.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

23〜26℃

Lifespan

3-5 years

Size

6-8cm

Diet

Frozen food, pellets

About

The Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is a small cardinalfish of the family Apogonidae endemic to the highly restricted range of the Banggai Archipelago in Indonesia. Its silvery-white body dotted with fine white spots, three bold black vertical stripes, and elegantly elongated dorsal and anal fins distinguish it as one of the most ornate of all cardinalfishes. It is a mouthbrooder: the male incubates eggs and newly hatched fry in his mouth, a fascinating behavior observable in captivity. Captive breeding is relatively well established, and aquarium-raised individuals are widely available. Exceptionally peaceful and reef-safe, it makes an ideal community fish. Wild populations are classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection; sourcing captive-bred specimens is strongly encouraged.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Banggai Cardinalfish

The Banggai Cardinalfish lives 3-5 years.

Size of the Banggai Cardinalfish

The Banggai Cardinalfish grows to 6-8cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Banggai Cardinalfish

The ideal water temperature for the Banggai Cardinalfish is 22〜26℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Banggai Archipelago, Indonesia

Lifespan

3-5 years

Care Specifications

pH: 8.1–8.4
Water Temp.: 22–26℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02–1.025
Salinity: 33–35 ppt
Min. Tank: 114 L

Semi-aggressiveReef safeGroup

Sources: LiveAquaria

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Pterapogon kauderni

Authority databases: GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN EN · Endangered

Not listed on CITES Appendices (proposals at CoP14/CoP17 were withdrawn; confirmed as non-CITES in CoP19 Doc.80). IUCN status is recently EN.

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.