Pajama cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera)

Scientific name: Sphaeramia nematoptera Bleeker, 1856

Pajama cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera)

The Pajama cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) is a marine fish of the family Apogonidae that grows to about 10.2 cm (4 in). It is easy to keep and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 22.2–25.6°C (72–78°F) and a pH of 8.1–8.4. Native range: Found throughout the Western Pacific.

Pajama cardinalfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Adult size
10.2 cm (4 in)
Minimum tank
150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature
22.2–25.6°C (72–78°F)
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
8–12 dGH (143–214 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore. Accepts flakes and bloodworms.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Distinctive species with tail fins and brightly colored red eyes. Broad black central body band and head yellow.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Family
Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
8.5
Depth range
1–14 m (3–46 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 14 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Western Pacific: Java to Fiji, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef. Recently recorded from Tonga.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More angelfish & butterflyfish

See all angelfish & butterflyfish

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

Last updated