Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Apogon nematopterus
Common name
Pajama cardinalfish
Pyjama cardinalfish
Coral cardinalfish
Spotted cardinalfish
Pyjama-Kardinalbarsch (DE)
Origin
Origin: Indian Ocean, South Pacific (Australian coast)
Natural habitat: it can be found in caves or in the shade in coral reefs, up to 25 m (82 feet) deep
Dimorphism
Not apparent
Group
Apogonidae
Volume
250 L / 55 Imp gal / 66 US gal
Parameters
T°: 23 à 26°C or 73 to 79°F
pH: 7.8 to 8.5
Density: 1021 to 1026
Difficulty
Easy
Size
7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5")
Longevity
8 years and more
Living zone
Middle and depth
Individuals
5
Food
How to feed the Pajama cardinalfish?
Food
How to feed the Pajama cardinalfish?
Easy to feed, you may have to start by offering live prey to this fish, then switch to frozen food and finally try dry food. The Pyjama Fish is a carnivore that can be fed small crustaceans or worms.
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Palette Pajama cardinalfish have?
Behavior
What kind of behavior does the Pajama cardinalfish have?
Very shy and calm, this fish necessarily needs areas of shade to feel safe. If it feels reassured, you will have a better chance of seeing it.
It is a nocturnal species (hence their big eyes that increase their night vision) that is only really active at dusk. During the day, the Sphaeramia nematoptera rests hidden.
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Pajama cardinalfish?
Cohabitation
Who can live with the Pajama cardinalfish?
Group maintenance is highly recommended in order to secure this shy big guy. In addition, he has an important gregarious instinct that should be respected. Thus, a group of 5 to 10 individuals in 250 L / 55 Imp gal / 66 US gal (depending on configuration and population) is necessary for its well-being.
The presence of corals of the Porites or Acropora genus is beneficial because the apogon-pyjama hides easily there.
The Pajama cardinalfish is never aggressive towards other fish.
Breeding
How to breed the Pajama cardinalfish?
Breeding
How to breed the Pajama cardinalfish?
This fish breeds easily in aquariums. The female lays eggs that the male fertilizes immediately and then gathers them in his mouth for incubation. The most difficult step in the breeding process is the feeding of the fry. Indeed, at the beginning, they only accept live plankton.
Fry feeding: live plankton (rotifers) then artemia nauplias.
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Pajama cardinalfish?
Its aquarium
Which aquarium for the Pajama cardinalfish?
Installation in a reef aquarium is not only possible, but ideal for this species. With your rocks, form numerous hiding places and overhangs to provide the shadows necessary for the well-being and lifestyle of Sphaeramia. Be careful because these zones must be spacious enough to shelter your entire group!
In terms of volume, the minimum to maintain this species is 250 L / 55 Imp gal / 66 US gal. As far as water conditions are concerned, check your parameters regularly in order to remain within the standards generally accepted in marine aquariums. Install a good filtration and an important stirring (a good oxygenation of the water is desirable).
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
This pacific, sturdy and easy to reproduce fish is an ideal candidate for a beginner.
Its name "pyjama" refers to its very colorful and original dress which evokes that of a pyjama. However, note that this beautiful coloration tends to tarnish a lot over the years.
Yours photos!
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