Banggai Cardinal

Description:
The Banggai Cardinalfish is an elegant and distinctive saltwater fish known for its silvery body adorned with bold black stripes and white spots, creating a striking appearance. Native to the Banggai Islands in Indonesia, this fish is a favorite among aquarists for its beauty, ease of care, and calm demeanor. Its unique appearance and slow, deliberate swimming style add a touch of sophistication to any aquarium.

Care Level:

• Ease: Beginner-friendly.
• Water Conditions:
  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 specific gravity.
  • pH: 8.1–8.4.
  • Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C).
• Tank Requirements:
  • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons.
  • Provide plenty of rockwork and hiding spots, along with open swimming space.
  • Stable water parameters are critical for long-term health.

Temperament:

• Behavior: Peaceful and calm; prefers to swim in the mid-water column.
• Compatibility:
  • Ideal for community tanks with other peaceful reef-safe species like clownfish, gobies, and firefish.
  • Can be kept singly, as a bonded pair, or in small groups if introduced simultaneously to prevent aggression.
  • Avoid housing with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Size:

• Adult Length: 3 inches (7.5 cm).
• Growth: Stays compact, making it ideal for small to medium-sized marine aquariums.

Reef Compatibility:

• 100% reef-safe.
• Will not harm corals or invertebrates.
• Pairs beautifully with reef aquascapes, adding both contrast and motion.

Additional Notes:
The Banggai Cardinalfish is a carnivore and thrives on a diet of high-quality frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They also accept small marine pellets and flakes. This species is well-suited for aquarists of all skill levels and can live for 5–7 years with proper care. As a bonus, they are mouthbrooders, which means observing their breeding behavior in captivity can be a rewarding experience. Captive-bred Banggai Cardinalfish are highly recommended to support sustainable aquarium practices.