Cardinalfish

Peaceful nocturnal schoolers

Calm, peaceful fish that school beautifully in reef tanks. Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders — males carry eggs in their mouths until hatching. They prefer dimmer areas and are most active at dusk and dawn. The Banggai Cardinal is the most popular species and is now widely captive-bred.

3 species

Banggai Cardinalfish

Pterapogon kauderni

Banggai Cardinal, Kaudern's Cardinal

Easy · yes

Pajama Cardinalfish

Sphaeramia nematoptera

Pajama Cardinal, Polka-dot Cardinal

Easy · yes

Threadfin Cardinalfish

Zoramia leptacantha

Threadfin Cardinal

Moderate · yes