Apogon Nematoptera - Pajama Cardinal

$20.00

The Apogon Nematoptera - Pajama Cardinal is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern reef aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a greenish-yellow face, a bold black vertical mid-section band, and a posterior body adorned with striking orange polka dots, this species is a masterclass in reef aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the Pajama Cardinal is highly prized for its peaceful temperament and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other peaceful reef residents.

Unlike many other cardinalfish species, the Pajama Cardinal is a diurnal-leaning nocturnal species that prefers to hang suspended in the water column in small groups. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and unique, synchronized movement.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

  • Diet: Carnivore

  • Reef Compatible: Yes

  • Max Size: 3.5 Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025

Husbandry Notes

The Pajama Cardinal is an ideal candidate for a community reef tank. While they do not require a sand bed for sleeping, they do require plenty of live rock with caves and crevices to feel secure during the day. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of frozen meaty foods—such as mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. To see their best behavior, it is recommended to keep them in small schools. They are notoriously hardy and adjust well to captive life, making them a staple for any stable reef system.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Apogon Nematoptera - Pajama Cardinal is a spectacular centerpiece for the modern reef aquarium, known for its brilliant coloration and sophisticated social behavior. Characterized by a greenish-yellow face, a bold black vertical mid-section band, and a posterior body adorned with striking orange polka dots, this species is a masterclass in reef aesthetics. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, the Pajama Cardinal is highly prized for its peaceful temperament and its ability to cohabit beautifully with other peaceful reef residents.

Unlike many other cardinalfish species, the Pajama Cardinal is a diurnal-leaning nocturnal species that prefers to hang suspended in the water column in small groups. They are exceptionally active swimmers that occupy the middle levels of the water column, providing a constant display of color and unique, synchronized movement.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Easy

  • Temperament: Peaceful

  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons

  • Diet: Carnivore

  • Reef Compatible: Yes

  • Max Size: 3.5 Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020 to 1.025

Husbandry Notes

The Pajama Cardinal is an ideal candidate for a community reef tank. While they do not require a sand bed for sleeping, they do require plenty of live rock with caves and crevices to feel secure during the day. They are high-metabolism fish and should be fed a varied diet of frozen meaty foods—such as mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp—at least twice daily. To see their best behavior, it is recommended to keep them in small schools. They are notoriously hardy and adjust well to captive life, making them a staple for any stable reef system.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.