The Banggai Cardinalfish is an elegant and structurally unique fish with a striking silver body marked by bold black vertical bars and shimmering white spots along its long, flowing fins. Unlike many other reef fish, the Banggai is a mouthbrooder, with the male carrying the eggs in his mouth until they hatch. They are relatively sedentary and prefer to hover in the water column, often seeking shelter among the long spines of sea urchins in the wild. While they are peaceful toward other species, males can be territorial with each other, so they are best kept as a mated pair or in a large enough tank to allow for individual space.
| Feature |
Specification |
| Scientific Name |
Pterapogon kauderni |
| Colour |
Silver with black bars and white spots. |
| Shape |
Unique "bat-like" fins, high-profile. |
| Location |
Banggai Islands (Indonesia). |
| Diet |
Carnivore (Mysis/Enriched brine). |
| Water Temp |
24°C – 27°C. |
| Temperament |
Peaceful. |
| Aquarium Size |
115 – 150 Litres. |
| Reef Safe? |
Yes. |