From Aqua Guide, the free encyclopedia
Banggai Cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- Salinity
- 1.02 – 1.026 SG
- Min. tank size
- 110 L
- Lifespan
- 4-5 years
- Diet
- carnivore
- Care level
- easy
Endangered on the IUCN Red List. That describes the wild population — the criteria cover only wild populations inside their natural range, and captive-bred fish are not assessed. Captive-bred stock is widely available and takes nothing from the wild population.
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Pterapogon kauderni |
| Family: | Apogonidae |
| Origin: | Indonesia (Banggai Islands; now widely captive-bred) |
| Care Characteristics | |
| Care Level: | easy |
| Diet: | carnivore |
| Max Size: | 8.00 cm |
| Water Type: | marine |
| Temp Group: | tropical |
| Reef Safe: | Reef Safe |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Group: | 2+ together |
| Varieties: | No cultivated colour strains — the wild-type pattern of three black bars and white-spotted fins is what is sold, and it is striking enough that nobody has tried to improve on it. Minor variation exists between island populations within the tiny natural range. The important distinction is not colour but origin: aquacultured fish, bred in captivity since the mid-1990s, now dominate the market at moderate prices, and they are the responsible and the easier choice. A secondary population was introduced to the Lembeh Strait around 2000 through the aquarium trade, outside the species' natural range. A proposal to list the species on CITES Appendix II in 2007 failed when Indonesia withdrew its support, so trade remains unregulated — which puts the decision squarely on the buyer. |
| Lifespan: | 4-5 years |
Quick Tips
- Bioload:Low
- Min Tank:110 L
- Substrate:Live rock and sand; long-spined urchins appreciated as shelter
- Plant Safe:Yes
- Filtration:Moderate (reef conditions)
Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is a species of fish in the family Apogonidae. It is native to Indonesia (Banggai Islands; now widely captive-bred). The Banggai cardinalfish is one of the very few marine fish an ordinary aquarist can breed at home, and one of the very few that genuinely needs them to. It is endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, with a range of just 5,500 square kilometres across 27 islands, and it is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Wild populations fell by over 90 per cent between 2001 and 2004, when 600,000 to 900,000 fish a year were being taken for the aquarium trade. It has been bred in captivity since the mid-1990s, and aquacultured fish now dominate the market. Buy captive-bred. With this species it matters more than with almost any other.
Legality of keeping and trading this species
- United States — Trade restricted. Under the Endangered Species Act — listed Threatened, 20 January 2016. The first saltwater aquarium fish ever listed under the ESA. It is endemic to a few small islands in the Banggai Archipelago and was pushed to Threatened largely by collection for this trade. Captive-bred Banggai are widely available and are the responsible choice anywhere in the world, not only in the USA.Source · Checked 2026-09-11
This is a summary for reference, not legal advice. Wildlife schedules, noxious-weed lists and import rules are amended, and enforcement varies by state — check the current law and your local authority before acquiring any species.
Compatibility
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Keep in
- Groups of 2+
- Swims
- middle
- Fin nipper
- No
- Delicate fins
- No
- Reef
- Reef Safe
Species similar to Banggai Cardinalfish
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