Banggai Cardinal 

Also known as Banggai Cardinalfish, Kaudern’s Cardinal

The Banggai Cardinal is a stunning and peaceful species displaying bold black and white vertical stripes with elegant, elongated fins. This relatively small cardinalfish is one of the most popular marine fish in the hobby, prized for its striking appearance, hardy nature, and unique breeding behavior where males mouth-brood the eggs.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Pterapogon kauderni
• Common Names: Banggai Cardinalfish, Kaudern’s Cardinal, High-Fin Cardinal
• Adult Size: Up to 3 inches
• Lifespan: 3-5 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; does well in groups
• Reef Compatibility: Completely reef safe; will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; 40+ gallons preferred for groups
• Experience Level: Beginner; very hardy and easy to care for

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide plenty of hiding places with live rock, caves, and overhangs. This species appreciates sheltered areas and will often hover near long-spined sea urchins or anemones for protection. Prefers calmer water flow.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Adaptable to typical reef conditions
• Equipment Recommendations:
  • Standard filtration system
  • Protein skimmer
  • Gentle to moderate water circulation These maintain stable conditions for this peaceful species.

Diet & Feeding 

Banggai Cardinals are carnivores with hearty appetites. Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, carnivore pellets
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, finely chopped seafood, krill
• Live Foods: Live brine shrimp (helpful for finicky eaters, though usually not necessary)
• Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily
• Special Note: Readily accepts most prepared foods; very easy to feed

Social Structure & Group Dynamics

• Can Be Kept in Groups: Naturally forms loose aggregations; 3-6 individuals work well
• Pairing Behavior: Often pair off within groups for breeding
• Peaceful Nature: Non-aggressive toward conspecifics and all other species
• Introduce Simultaneously: Adding groups together reduces stress

Notes & Considerations

• One of the most popular and beginner-friendly marine fish available.
• Endangered in the wild; captive-bred specimens strongly recommended and widely available.
• Captive-bred specimens are hardier and better adapted to aquarium life than wild-caught.
• Males are mouth-brooders; may observe males holding eggs in their mouths.
• Often breeds readily in home aquariums with proper conditions.
• Relatively slow-moving and peaceful; may be outcompeted for food by aggressive feeders.
• Nocturnal tendencies but will be active during the day once acclimated.
• Often associated with long-spined sea urchins, anemones, or branching corals for shelter.
• Generally stays in one area of the tank rather than actively swimming throughout.
• Bold black and white stripes with white-spotted fins create a striking appearance.
• Excellent choice for peaceful community reef tanks and nano aquariums.

Why Choose a Quarantined Banggai Cardinal? 

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, better-acclimated fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this beautiful and peaceful species.