Black-banded Cardinal - Apogon endekataenia

Black-banded Cardinal (Apogon endekataenia)

The Black-banded Cardinal is a peaceful and attractive marine cardinalfish recognised for its slender body, contrasting dark horizontal banding and calm swimming behaviour. Most active during subdued lighting and evening periods, it is well suited to established marine and reef aquariums with plenty of caves, overhangs and peaceful tankmates. Its manageable size and reef-safe nature make it a good choice for community marine systems.

Common Name:
Black-banded Cardinal, Black-banded Cardinalfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Apogon endekataenia

Maximum Size:
Approximately 8–10 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Black-banded Cardinal is associated with tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is typically found around coral reefs, rocky ledges, caves and shaded reef structure.

It often remains close to shelter during brighter periods and becomes more active under lower light levels.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Black-banded Cardinal is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish and is best housed with similarly calm tankmates.

It may show mild territorial behaviour towards similar cardinalfish, particularly where shelter is limited.

Diet:
Carnivore / Planktivore

The Black-banded Cardinal naturally feeds on small crustaceans and planktonic organisms.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and quality small marine pellets.

Several small meals throughout the day are beneficial.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

Provide plenty of secure rockwork, caves and shaded retreat areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Black-banded Cardinal is a relatively calm swimmer that often remains close to reef structure and sheltered areas.

It may become more active during the evening, under subdued lighting or around feeding time.

When kept in suitable conditions, it can become a confident and attractive midwater display fish.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Black-banded Cardinal is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

Its peaceful nature makes it particularly suitable for mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, good filtration and plenty of secure caves or overhangs.

Avoid highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the fish or prevent it from feeding successfully.

Subdued areas within the aquascape are beneficial and help encourage natural behaviour.

When keeping multiple cardinalfish, provide sufficient shelter and aquarium space to reduce territorial disputes.

Regular varied feeding and good oxygenation help maintain healthy body condition.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.