{"product_id":"black-banded-cardinal-apogon-endekataenia","title":"Black-banded Cardinal - Apogon endekataenia","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack-banded Cardinal (\u003cem\u003eApogon endekataenia\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack-banded Cardinal, Black-banded Cardinalfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApogon endekataenia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 8–10 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt often remains close to shelter during brighter periods and becomes more active under lower light levels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–26°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity: SG 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black-banded Cardinal is generally peaceful towards unrelated marine fish and is best housed with similarly calm tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may show mild territorial behaviour towards similar cardinalfish, particularly where shelter is limited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarnivore \/ Planktivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black-banded Cardinal naturally feeds on small crustaceans and planktonic organisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and quality small marine pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeveral small meals throughout the day are beneficial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 100 litres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide plenty of secure rockwork, caves and shaded retreat areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black-banded Cardinal is a relatively calm swimmer that often remains close to reef structure and sheltered areas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt may become more active during the evening, under subdued lighting or around feeding time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen kept in suitable conditions, it can become a confident and attractive midwater display fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black-banded Cardinal is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts peaceful nature makes it particularly suitable for mixed reef aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a mature marine aquarium with stable water chemistry, good filtration and plenty of secure caves or overhangs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate the fish or prevent it from feeding successfully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubdued areas within the aquascape are beneficial and help encourage natural behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen keeping multiple cardinalfish, provide sufficient shelter and aquarium space to reduce territorial disputes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular varied feeding and good oxygenation help maintain healthy body condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":68177245012141,"sku":"AG-105237","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":68177245044909,"sku":"AG-105238","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":68177245077677,"sku":"AG-105239","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/Black-bandedCardinal-Apogonendekataenia.jpg?v=1794336852","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/black-banded-cardinal-apogon-endekataenia","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}