How to Care for Pajama Cardinal

The Pajama Cardinal is one of the most popular marine aquarium fish, not to be confused with the similar but less-attractive Orbic Cardinal (Sphaeramia orbicularis). ORA is the first hatchery to successfully commercially breed this colorful Cardinal.

Like other Cardinals they are mouth brooders however the larvae do not develop in the mouth.  They are released upon hatch and are among the most challenging larvae we work with.  Most hobbyists assume that all Cardinals reproduce just like a Banggai Cardinal and often overlook the significance of the availability of other species.

As with most cardinals, they are generally docile in aquariums and should not be housed with overly aggressive tankmates.

They are a great fish for reef tanks, and swim freely in full view. They will eat a variety of aquarium foods including frozen foods and pellets.

Maximum Length: 3.5"
Care Level: Easy
Family: Apogonidae
Reef Compatibility: Excellent
Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gal.
Range: Captive Bred ORA Farms
Diet: Carnivore
Water Conditions: 75-80° F; sg 1.024-1.026 (1.025 is ideal); pH 8.1-8.4 Ca 420-440 ppm, Alk 8-9.5 dKH, Mg 1260-1350, Nitrates <10ppm, Phosphates, < .10ppm

Water Chemistry: Maintaining Ammonia at 0 ppm, Nitrites at 0 ppm, and Nitrates below 10ppm will help to keep your Percula Clownfish happy and healthy. We recommend doing a water change soon after Nitrates rise above 10 ppm. Maintaining proper calcium (420-440 ppm), alkalinity (8-9.5 dkh - run it 7-8 if you are carbon dosing) , and magnesium levels (1260-1350 ppm) will help to keep pH stable in the 8.1-8.4 range. We recommend a specific gravity of 1.024-1.026 with 1.025 being ideal for fish. Temperature should remain stable as well and should stay within a 2 degree range.