Pyjama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) The Pyjama Cardinalfish, Sphaeramia nematoptera, is a peaceful and distinctive marine cardinalfish with a yellowish face, bold dark central body band, red eye and spotted rear body pattern. Also known as the Pajama Cardinalfish, Spotted Cardinalfish or Polka-dot Cardinalfish, this Indo-Pacific species is a popular choice for calm reef aquariums where it can hover in loose groups around coral branches, caves and shaded rockwork. It is reef safe, hardy once settled and well suited to peaceful marine communities. Common Name:Pyjama Cardinalfish, Pajama Cardinalfish, Spotted Cardinalfish, Polka-dot Cardinalfish, Polkadot Cardinalfish. Scientific Name (Latin):Sphaeramia nematoptera Maximum Size:Up to around 8.5–9 cm. Water Type:Marine Origin / Natural Habitat:Indo-Pacific, including coral reef regions from Southeast Asia and northern Australia across to the western and central Pacific. Naturally found in sheltered bays, lagoons and coral-rich areas, where it forms aggregations among branching corals such as Porites. It often shelters by day and disperses at night to feed close to the bottom. Water Parameters:Temperature: 24–27°CpH Range: 8.1–8.4Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025 Temperament:Peaceful and social. Best kept with other calm reef-safe fish that will not bully it or outcompete it. It is usually more confident in a small group, though males may show mild rivalry during breeding behaviour. Avoid large predatory fish or aggressive tank mates. Diet:Carnivorous planktivore and small-invertebrate feeder. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, finely chopped krill, calanus, quality marine micro pellets and other small meaty foods. It will often learn to feed during the day, but evening feeding can be useful because cardinalfish are naturally more active at dusk and after dark. Minimum Tank Size:A minimum of 120 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for stable shoals and mixed reef communities. Provide open hovering space as well as caves, ledges and branching coral-style shelter. Behaviour & Activity:A gentle hoverer that spends much of its time in loose groups near rockwork, overhangs, coral branches or shaded areas. It is naturally crepuscular to nocturnal, but settled specimens often become visible during the day in peaceful aquariums. This species is a paternal mouthbrooder, with males carrying eggs in the mouth during breeding. Groups provide a more natural display and help reduce nervous behaviour. Reef Safe:Reef SafeSafe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It does not nip corals and is well suited to reef aquariums. Very tiny shrimps, larvae or small worms may be eaten as part of its natural diet, so avoid keeping it with newly settled ornamental crustaceans or very tiny tank mates if these are a priority. Special Requirements or Care Notes:Best kept in a group of at least three, with five or more giving a more natural display where tank size allows. Provide shaded retreats, branching coral-style structure and peaceful surroundings. Although hardy, it should not be housed with aggressive fish that may force it into hiding. A secure lid is recommended, as small startled marine fish can jump. Captive-bred specimens are available and are generally a strong choice where offered. Suitable for:Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers Availability:Common in trade / Captive-bred where relevant All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
