Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Pajama Cardinalfish, also known as the Spotted Cardinalfish, Coral Cardinalfish, or Polka Dot Cardinalfish, is native to the western Pacific ranging from Java to Fiji, and from the Ryukyu Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef. It has a greenish-yellow face, bright orange eyes, and a silver-based body with a bold black vertical bar and a back half dotted with orange polka-dots giving them a very unique almost patchwork appearance. They can reach an adult length of approximately 3.5 inches.
Diet Requirements: The Pajama Cardinal should be fed multiple small meals each day to help reproduce natural foraging behavior. Their diet should consist of a well-balanced variety including enriched frozen brine shrimp and mysis shrimp, along with a quality marine pellet or flake food.
Care Requirements: A 30-gallon or larger aquarium with a cave and peaceful tank mates is suitable for this slow and shy swimmer. If a larger aquarium is available, it will handle a small group of this species. Since they are naturally schooling they are best kept in small groups. As a group, they will establish a pecking order and coexist peacefully. These Cardinals do best with peaceful tank mates as they are slow swimmers. Groups of Cardinalfish can be kept in relative peace in larger systems with plenty of swimming and hiding spaces. They are reef safe, and will not bother coral polyps or other invertebrates. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2-1/4″; Large: 2” to 2-1/2”
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Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Sizes are also approximate.Â
