Banggai Cardinalfish (P. kauderni)

Common Name: Banggai Cardinalfish
Scientific Name: Pterapogon kauderni
Coloration: Silver body with bold black vertical stripes and white-spotted, elongated fins
Personality: Peaceful and slow-moving; prefers calm environments and forms strong pair bonds
Preferred Habitat: Enjoys midwater spaces and shelter among rockwork or shaded ledges
Compatibility: Best kept as a single fish or a pair in larger tanks; suitable with peaceful species like clownfish
Reproduction: Mouthbrooders; males carry fertilised eggs until fry are released
Care Level: Moderate; thrives in the Living Ecosystems Aquarium and Living Blocks Reef structure with proper feeding and space
Origin: Sustainably cultured

The sustainably cultured Banggai Cardinalfish is a beautifully patterned reef fish featuring a shimmering silver body with bold black vertical bands and delicate white spots on its long, flowing fins. These cardinalfish are aquacultured and supplied as juveniles, making them well-adjusted to aquarium life and sustainably sourced. Their gentle, deliberate swimming style and striking appearance add a sense of calm elegance to any marine setup.

In the Living Ecosystems Aquarium, Banggai Cardinals are best kept as a single specimen or in pairs within larger tanks, where their peaceful nature can be appreciated without territorial conflict. They thrive in community reef environments and do well in aquascapes that include rockwork and shaded areas for security. The Living Blocks Reef offers ideal structure for these slow-moving fish to feel safe while calmly navigating the midwater zone.

Behaviour and Compatibility
Banggai Cardinalfish are peaceful and adapt well to mixed-species reef aquariums with other non-aggressive tankmates, such as clownfish. While calm in nature, they may become territorial when paired, especially as they mature, so ample space and hiding spots are important for maintaining harmony. Their nocturnal tendencies mean they are most active during the early morning and evening hours.

Although they can be a little more selective at feeding time, Banggai Cardinals respond well to a varied diet of enriched meaty foods. In the Living Ecosystems Aquarium, they readily accept our specially formulated marine pellets, designed to support health, colour, and vitality in captive marine fish.

Reproduction
Banggai Cardinals are mouthbrooders, with the male taking on the task of carrying fertilised eggs in his mouth for several weeks until the fry are ready to be released. With the right conditions, breeding can occur in home aquariums, offering a unique and rewarding experience for aquarists interested in observing natural marine behaviour.