Product Description
The Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) is a popular, peaceful marine aquarium fish known for its distinctive pattern: a yellow head, black midsection stripe, and red spots on its rear half, plus large red eyes. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these nocturnal, schooling fish are hardy, reef-safe, and carnivorous, thriving in groups in tanks with plenty of hiding spots, fed a varied diet of meaty foods.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Silvery-green body, bold black band, red spots, yellow face, large red eyes, and prominent fins.
Size: Grows to about 3-3.3 inches (8.5 cm).
Behavior: Nocturnal, schooling, peaceful, and mouthbrooders (males carry eggs).
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (20 gallons recommended), with plenty of rockwork.
Water Parameters: Temp 72-80°F (22-27°C), Salinity 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4.
Diet: Carnivorous; prefers meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, flakes, and pellets.
Compatibility: Excellent for reef tanks; won't harm corals; peaceful with other fish but can show minor aggression in groups.
Habitat & Diet in the Wild
Habitat: Shallow lagoons, bays, and sheltered reefs in the Western Pacific.
Diet: Small crustaceans, crabs, and shrimp, hunted at night.
