Saltwater Aquarium Guide – Banner (Banggai) Cardinal – Captive Bred (Pterapogon kauderni)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Max Size: 3 inches

Comprehensive Guide:

Habitat:

The Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is native to the Banggai Islands in Indonesia. It inhabits shallow coastal waters and is often found among seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Reef Safe:

The Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is considered reef safe. It does not harm corals or other invertebrates. However, caution should be exercised when keeping them with aggressive fish species.

Size:

The Banner (Banggai) Cardinal grows up to 3 inches long.

Temperament:

These cardinals are peaceful and generally get along well with other fish species. They are best kept in small groups of 3-5 individuals.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There is no significant sexual dimorphism in the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal. Males and females look similar.

Lifespan:

The average lifespan of the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is around 3-5 years with proper care.

Diet in Aquariums:

These cardinals are carnivores and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality frozen and live foods. Suitable options include brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp flesh.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

Provide plenty of hiding places among live rock or coral structures for the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal. They appreciate a well-established aquarium with ample swimming space.

Captive Bred Availability:

Yes, the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is available as captive-bred. Captive-bred specimens are generally hardier and more adaptable to aquarium conditions than wild-caught individuals.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals:

The Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is generally compatible with many peaceful fish species, invertebrates, and corals. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish. Suitable tankmates include:

1. Ocellaris Clownfish – Peaceful and adds vibrant color to the aquarium.
2. Firefish Goby – Active and peaceful, adds movement to the lower part of the tank.
3. Bicolor Dottyback – Beautiful and peaceful, adding a contrasting color to the tank.
4. Yellow Watchman Goby – Hardy and peaceful, helps with sand sifting.
5. Cleaner Shrimp – Adds cleaning benefits and interesting behavior to the tank.

Other Common Names:

The Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is also known as the Banggai Cardinalfish or Kaudern’s Cardinalfish.

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Popular Questions and Answers:

Q: What is the ideal water temperature for the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal?

A: The ideal water temperature for the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal is between 78-82°F (25-28°C).

Q: Can the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal be kept in a nano reef tank?

A: Yes, the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal can be kept in a nano reef tank as long as the tank is properly maintained and provides suitable hiding places.

Q: Do Banner (Banggai) Cardinals require a specific lighting setup?

A: While they don’t have specific lighting requirements, providing moderate to high lighting will enhance the colors of the fish and any associated corals in the tank.

Q: Are Banner (Banggai) Cardinals prone to any specific diseases?

A: Banner (Banggai) Cardinals are generally hardy fish but can be susceptible to common saltwater diseases like marine ich. Proper quarantine and acclimation procedures can help prevent disease outbreaks.

Q: Can the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal be kept with aggressive fish species?

A: It is generally not recommended to keep the Banner (Banggai) Cardinal with aggressive fish species as they may become targets of aggression and stress.