Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) Care Guide

A quirky, peaceful marine fish with an unusual tricolor pattern — greenish-yellow front, bold dark central band, and polka-dotted rear section.

Overview

Sphaeramia nematoptera is a species in the family Apogonidae. A quirky, peaceful marine fish with an unusual tricolor pattern — greenish-yellow front, bold dark central band, and polka-dotted rear section. Nocturnal and shy, hovering among branches of corals or in caves during the day. Best kept in small groups.

Taxonomy

Family: Apogonidae
Genus: Sphaeramia
Scientific name: Sphaeramia nematoptera
Other names: Spotted Cardinalfish
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Native to lagoons and seaward reefs of the western Pacific from Java and the Ryukyu Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef and east to Fiji. Forms small aggregations among the branches of Acropora corals and over Diadema sea urchins at depths of 1-14 m.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 5-8 cm
Lifespan: 4-7 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 3
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Predatory Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate