About Pajama Cardinalfish

The Pajama Cardinalfish is a beautiful and peaceful cardinalfish featuring a distinctive pattern that looks like polka dot pajamas. They have a yellow head, silver body with dark polka dots, and a bold black vertical stripe at the back. Native to the Western Pacific, these nocturnal fish are perfect for reef tanks and can be kept in groups. They are mouthbrooders with males carrying the eggs. Unlike the Banggai Cardinalfish which is threatened in the wild, Pajama Cardinals are abundant and excellent choices for peaceful reef communities.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Pajama Cardinalfish need hiding spots and peaceful tank mates.

Essential Setup:

  • 20+ gallons
  • Caves and hiding spots
  • Moderate to low flow
  • Overhangs or caves (where they rest)
  • Temperature 72-78°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Omnivores accepting most prepared foods:

  • Marine pellets
  • Frozen Mysis shrimp
  • Frozen brine shrimp
  • Marine flakes
  • Easy to feed

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful and somewhat shy:

  • Schooling: Can be kept in groups
  • Peaceful: Perfect community fish
  • Nocturnal: More active at night
  • Shy: Like hiding spots

Good Tank Mates:

  • Clownfish
  • Gobies
  • Blennies
  • Dartfish
  • All peaceful reef fish

Avoid:

  • Aggressive fish
  • Large predators
  • Very active fish that may stress them

Distinctive Appearance

  • Yellow head: Bright front
  • Pajama pattern: Polka dots on silver body
  • Black stripe: Vertical bar at back
  • Large eyes: For night vision

Mouthbrooding

Male carries eggs:

  • Male broods: Carries eggs in mouth
  • Duration: 20-30 days
  • No eating: Male won’t eat while brooding
  • Fry release: Fully formed miniatures

Nocturnal Behavior

  • Day: Hide in caves or overhangs
  • Night: Become active
  • Feeding: Best fed after lights out

Tips for Success

  • Can be kept in small groups
  • Provide hiding spots
  • Feed after lights out (nocturnal)
  • Peaceful community member
  • Beautiful pattern
  • Hardy and beginner-friendly

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Clownfish
🐠 Tangs
🐠 Gobies
🐠 Blennies
🐠 Dartfish