TankTag
Pajama Cardinalfish

Pajama Cardinalfish

Sphaeramia nematoptera

Saltwater Cardinalfish Fish 4 in stock
IMG
Pajama Cardinalfish

Pricing & Availability

Small
Juvenile
2 available
$25.00
Medium
Sub-Adult
Out of stock
$30.00
Large
Adult
2 available
$35.00

In Stock 2 tanks

Saltwater Tank 4
Saltwater
2 in stock
2 L
Saltwater Tank 8
Saltwater
2 in stock
2 S
3"
Max Size
20g
Min Tank
✅
Reef Safe
Easy
Care Level
Temperament
Peaceful
Diet
Carnivore
Origin
Indo-Pacific

Description

  1. The Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) is a peaceful, reef-safe 3″ nano–community favorite with a yellow face, polka-dot midsection, and red tail. A calm, hover-style swimmer that shelters under ledges, it really shines in small groups (3–6+) where its relaxed schooling behavior adds steady motion to the display.
Care Requirements

The Pajama Cardinalfish can be housed as a single/pair in 20–30 gallons or a group in 40+ gallons with mature live rock, caves/overhangs, gentle–moderate flow, and some shaded areas. Keep water stable at 76–80°F, 1.024–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, alk 8–11 dKH, and low nutrients. Generally shrimp-safe (very tiny shrimplets can be at risk) and compatible with other peaceful fish; crepuscular activity means they’re most active at dusk.

Diet & Feeding

The Pajama Cardinalfish should be fed small, frequent meals they can swallow easily: mysis, calanus/copepods, finely chopped shrimp, and high-quality micro-pellets; use enriched brine only as an occasional treat. New groups do best at 2–3 feedings daily, then maintain at least twice per day once settled. Vitamin soaks support color and immunity, and consistent feeding encourages natural schooling.