Cardinalfish

Peaceful, Reef-Safe Community Fish

Cardinalfish are small, peaceful saltwater fish known for their calm behavior, striking patterns, and compatibility with reef aquariums. Their slow, hovering movements and social nature make them ideal for both beginners and experienced reef keepers seeking balance and beauty in their tanks.

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Found throughout the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea, Cardinalfish are nocturnal, reef-associated species that thrive in small groups. Most species prefer gentle flow and plenty of live rock for shelter during the day, emerging at dusk to feed on plankton and small crustaceans.

AquariumFish.com offers a curated selection of Cardinalfish for sale, including the popular Banggai Cardinalfish and Pajama Cardinalfish, both prized for their bold patterns and peaceful disposition. Each specimen is carefully acclimated and shipped overnight for health and vitality.

Why Choose Cardinalfish?

  • Peaceful and reef-safe — perfect for community tanks
  • Beautiful spotted and striped patterns
  • Easy to care for and great for beginners
  • Pairs and small groups add natural movement to reef aquariums

Care Tips for Cardinalfish

  • Keep in tanks 30 gallons or larger with rockwork and gentle water flow
  • Maintain stable salinity (1.023–1.026) and temperature (76–80°F)
  • Feed small frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets
  • House in small groups or bonded pairs to promote natural schooling behavior

Popular Cardinalfish Species We Offer

  • Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) – bold black and silver stripes; reef-safe and easy to breed
  • Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) – spotted pattern and peaceful temperament; ideal for community tanks
  • Yellow Cardinalfish (Apogon cyanosoma) – bright golden color; great for nano reefs
  • Longspine Cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacantha) – transparent blue body; active schooling fish
  • Redspot Cardinalfish (Apogon parvulus) – small, schooling species perfect for larger reef tanks

Cardinalfish are hardy and adaptable but prefer stable, mature reef conditions. Their calm personalities and elegant swimming behavior make them ideal for aquarists seeking peaceful companions for Wrasses, Gobies, and other reef-safe fish.


Cardinalfish FAQs

Are Cardinalfish reef-safe?
Yes — all Cardinalfish species are reef-safe and do not harm corals or invertebrates. They’re excellent tankmates for peaceful reef fish like Gobies, Wrasses, and Blennies.
Can I keep multiple Cardinalfish together?
Yes, most species do best in small groups or pairs. In larger aquariums, small schools of Cardinalfish create natural movement and reduce stress.
Are Cardinalfish good for beginners?
Absolutely. Cardinalfish are hardy, peaceful, and adapt well to aquarium life. They readily accept frozen and prepared foods, making them ideal for new saltwater hobbyists.

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