Description

🟢 PJ Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera)

The PJ Cardinalfish, also known as the Pajama Cardinal, is a peaceful and colorful addition to any reef or community aquarium. With its bold red eyes, polka-dotted body, and signature black band across the midsection, this fish brings both charm and contrast to your tank.

🐠 Care Guide

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef Safe: ✅ Yes

• Max Size: ~3 inches

• Diet: Carnivore – feeds on frozen mysis, brine shrimp, high-quality pellets and flakes

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily

🌊 Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (30+ gallons for groups)

• Lighting Needs: No special requirements

• Water Flow: Low to moderate

• Water Parameters:

  • Temp: 72–78°F

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025

🧬 Behavior & Compatibility

• Best kept singly, in bonded pairs, or in small odd-numbered groups (3–5)

• May become territorial in small tanks or with other cardinals

• Gets along well with other peaceful fish and invertebrates

Fun Fact:
Males are mouthbrooders and will carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until they hatch!