| Scientific Name | Sphaeramia nematoptera |
| Common Names | Pajama Cardinalfish, Polka-dot Cardinalfish, Spotted Cardinalfish |
| Max Length | 3.3 inches (8.5 cm) |
| Min Tank Size | 30 gallons (113 liters) for a small group; larger tanks support their schooling behavior and reduce stress. |
| Temperament | Peaceful and schooling; best kept in groups of 3 or more for natural behavior. Avoid aggressive tankmates to prevent bullying. |
| Reef Safe | ✓ Yes |
The Pajama Cardinalfish is a charming nocturnal species with a whimsical look. Its body features bold vertical stripes in yellow, black, and red, dotted with iridescent spots and a large false eye on the dorsal fin. Native to the Indo-Pacific, from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea, they inhabit sheltered reefs and mangroves at depths of 1-14 meters. Easy to care for in groups, they add a serene, hovering dynamic to low-light tanks.
Carnivorous, preying on zooplankton and small crustaceans in the wild. In aquariums, offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or copepods; may accept high-quality flakes once acclimated. Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily, preferably at dusk to match their nocturnal habits.
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