Pajama Cardinalfish

The Pajama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its unique and striking coloration featuring a pale body with a large black spot mid-body, bright orange tail, and dotted patterns on the fins. Males typically develop more intense coloration and may display brighter fins during breeding periods, while females and juveniles have softer coloration but maintain the characteristic pattern.

They reach about 3 to 3.5 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons.

Provide a sandy substrate with plenty of live rock, caves, and hiding spots, along with open swimming areas. Maintain stable water parameters with salinity around 1.020-1.025, temperature between 72-79°F, and pH from 8.1-8.4. A secure lid is essential, as this species is prone to jumping.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality pellets or flakes. With proper care, the Pajama Cardinalfish makes a peaceful and eye-catching addition to marine and reef aquariums.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.