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Reef Fish Guide designation and why
Keep it wild
The current collection rate for this highly endemic species is not sustainable and threatens the species with extinction. Collection pressure, coupled with destructive collection methods that destroy habitat, has elevated the Banggai Cardinalfish to “critically endangered” status by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The good news is that this species has been successfully bred in captivity and supplies are increasing to meet the demand of the hobby. RPI encourages you to buy only captive-bred Banggai cardinalfish—by doing so you are contributing to the solution of this significant problem.
Distribution
Endemic to the Banggai Island Archipelago east of Sulawesi, Indonesia with an estimated population size of 1.7 million
Maximum Size
3.5 inches (8.9 cm)
Care Requirements (captive-bred only)
The minimum tank size is 30 gallons. The Banggai cardinalfish prefers a sandy bottom with some vegetation and rockwork for cover to hide in (they hide amongst long-spined sea urchins in the wild). It is actually a bold, hardy aquarium fish that breeds in captivity. A healthy male specimen will brood (incubate) eggs in his mouth. The fry will remain in the male’s mouth until they are free-swimming. But, please see the notes in the “Compatibility” section as breeding Banggai cardinalfish requires special care to assure success.
Food: In captivity, these fish should be fed meaty foods, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, and frozen preparations. Hobbyists also report being able to feed this species flake and pellet food as well, but this experience is inconsistent. Just keep in mind that they need to be fed daily.
Compatibility: Although adapting well to almost any reef-style tank, the Banggai Cardinalfish is best kept singly or in a pair with non-aggressive fish at a ratio of one male per every 40 gallons. After breeding, a pair will become very aggressive towards other tank mates unless in a very large aquarium. It is best to separate the male to a dedicated breeding tank. Otherwise it is a non-predatory fish that behaves peacefully.
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