Pajama Cardinal (Sphaeramia nematoptera)

Max Size: 3.5 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

The Pajama Cardinalfish is a colorful and peaceful addition to any saltwater aquarium. It has an eye-catching appearance, with a greenish-yellow face, orange eyes, and a silver body with black scalloped edges and orange polka dots at the back. Despite its vibrant colors, Sphaeramia nematoptera has a docile temperament, making it a great choice for a community tank.

To ensure optimal care, it is recommended to keep Pajama Cardinalfish in small schools in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons. Due to their slow swimming, it is best to keep them with peaceful tank mates and provide plenty of hiding spots within the rockwork or plants. These fish have been known to hide amongst sea grass and even camouflage against long-spined sea urchins.

As a schooling fish, Pajama Cardinalfish will establish a hierarchical structure within their group. However, unlike other social fish, they do not use aggression to establish dominance over other Cardinalfish.

In terms of diet, a well-balanced and vitamin-enriched diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on their size, live feeder fish is required to keep the Pajama Cardinalfish healthy and vibrant.