Pajama Cardinal Fish

Pajama Spotted Cardinal Fish – Sphaeramia nematoptera

The Pajama Spotted Cardinalfish is a peaceful, nocturnal reef favorite known for its striking greenish-yellow face, bold mid-body black band, and distinctive polka-dotted tail region. Its calm demeanor and slow, deliberate swimming style make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced hobbyists. This species is most comfortable in small groups and becomes even more vibrant under reef lighting. Hardy and adaptable, it acclimates well to a wide range of community reef setups.

These cardinals thrive in tanks with plenty of rockwork, shaded overhangs, and sheltered mid-water zones. They should be added after the initial cycle once biological filtration is stable. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a small group.

Pajama Cardinals readily accept a varied diet consisting of San Francisco frozen foods, Hikari mysis, PE Calanus, TDOpellets, and New Life Spectrum micro-pellets. They feed best on small, meaty items offered 1–2 times daily.

Approximate product size: Juveniles/young adults, typically 1.5"–2".

We maintain a rigorous, veterinarian-approved quarantine program that includes proactive treatments, careful observation, and daily monitoring to ensure the highest standards of fish health. Our biosecurity practices reduce the risk of any cross-contamination between systems, meaning our fish are ready for your display tanks.