{"product_id":"pyjama-cardinalfish-sphaeramia-nematoptera","title":"Pyjama Cardinalfish - Sphaeramia nematoptera","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"287\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePyjama Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia nematoptera)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"243\" data-end=\"287\"\u003eThe Pyjama Cardinalfish, Sphaeramia nematoptera, is a peaceful and distinctive marine cardinalfish with a yellowish face, bold dark central body band, red eye and spotted rear body pattern. Also known as the Pajama Cardinalfish, Spotted Cardinalfish or Polka-dot Cardinalfish, this Indo-Pacific species is a popular choice for calm reef aquariums where it can hover in loose groups around coral branches, caves and shaded rockwork. It is reef safe, hardy once settled and well suited to peaceful marine communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"825\" data-end=\"950\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"840\"\u003ePyjama Cardinalfish, Pajama Cardinalfish, Spotted Cardinalfish, Polka-dot Cardinalfish, Polkadot Cardinalfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"952\" data-end=\"1001\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"979\"\u003eSphaeramia nematoptera\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1016\" data-end=\"1019\"\u003eUp to around 8.5–9 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1063\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1054\" data-end=\"1057\"\u003eMarine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1065\" data-end=\"1431\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1090\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eIndo-Pacific, including coral reef regions from Southeast Asia and northern Australia across to the western and central Pacific. Naturally found in sheltered bays, lagoons and coral-rich areas, where it forms aggregations among branching corals such as Porites. It often shelters by day and disperses at night to feed close to the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1532\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1453\"\u003eTemperature: 24–27°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1476\"\u003epH Range: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr data-start=\"1493\" data-end=\"1496\"\u003eHardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1813\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003ePeaceful and social. Best kept with other calm reef-safe fish that will not bully it or outcompete it. It is usually more confident in a small group, though males may show mild rivalry during breeding behaviour. Avoid large predatory fish or aggressive tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1815\" data-end=\"2193\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1823\"\u003eCarnivorous planktivore and small-invertebrate feeder. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, cyclops, finely chopped krill, calanus, quality marine micro pellets and other small meaty foods. It will often learn to feed during the day, but evening feeding can be useful because cardinalfish are naturally more active at dusk and after dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2439\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003eA minimum of 120 litres is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred for stable shoals and mixed reef communities. Provide open hovering space as well as caves, ledges and branching coral-style shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2441\" data-end=\"2880\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2466\" data-end=\"2469\"\u003eA gentle hoverer that spends much of its time in loose groups near rockwork, overhangs, coral branches or shaded areas. It is naturally crepuscular to nocturnal, but settled specimens often become visible during the day in peaceful aquariums. This species is a paternal mouthbrooder, with males carrying eggs in the mouth during breeding. Groups provide a more natural display and help reduce nervous behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2882\" data-end=\"3213\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2892\" data-end=\"2895\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2904\" data-end=\"2907\"\u003eSafe with corals and most ornamental invertebrates. It does not nip corals and is well suited to reef aquariums. Very tiny shrimps, larvae or small worms may be eaten as part of its natural diet, so avoid keeping it with newly settled ornamental crustaceans or very tiny tank mates if these are a priority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3215\" data-end=\"3695\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3250\" data-end=\"3253\"\u003eBest kept in a group of at least three, with five or more giving a more natural display where tank size allows. Provide shaded retreats, branching coral-style structure and peaceful surroundings. Although hardy, it should not be housed with aggressive fish that may force it into hiding. A secure lid is recommended, as small startled marine fish can jump. Captive-bred specimens are available and are generally a strong choice where offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3697\" data-end=\"3749\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3713\"\u003eBeginner to intermediate fishkeepers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3812\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3764\" data-end=\"3767\"\u003eCommon in trade \/ Captive-bred where relevant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3814\" data-end=\"4074\"\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":43935553355949,"sku":"AG-100720","price":18.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46007085858989,"sku":"AG-103195","price":21.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43935553388717,"sku":"AG-103196","price":28.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/Pyjama_Cardinalfish_-_Sphaeramia_nematoptera.jpg?v=1778751370","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/pyjama-cardinalfish-sphaeramia-nematoptera","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}