ORA Pajama Cardinal

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Carnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 3"
• Recommended Tank Size: 20 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This fish is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Pajama Cardinal (Sphaeramia nematoptera) is one of the most popular marine aquarium fish, not to be confused with the similar but less-attractive Orbic Cardinal (Sphaeramia orbicularis). ORA is the first hatchery to successfully commercially breed this colorful Cardinal.

As with most cardinals, they are generally docile in aquariums and should not be housed with overly aggressive tankmates. They are a great fish for reef tanks and swim freely in full view. They will eat a variety of aquarium foods including frozen foods and pellets.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

More space is always beneficial, but a minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for the Pajama Cardinal. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Pajama Cardinals are quite adaptable but thrive best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Here’s how to set up their ideal home:

• Aquascaping: Although Pajama Cardinals often spend most of their time out in the water column, it is still important to incorporate live rock formations to create hiding spots.
• Substrate: This fish has no specific substrate requirements and can be kept in aquariums using sand of various grain sizes, crushed coral, or no substrate at all.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish. While Pajama Cardinals are considered relatively hardy, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: This fish will do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.
• Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal. This is most often achieved by using powerheads in the aquarium to move water around. Adequate water flow helps push uneaten food and fish waste into your filtration and also keeps the water oxygenated.

Diet

Pajama Cardinals are Carnivores, meaning they rely on meaty foods for their nutrition. This fish isn't typically a picky eater and will accept food in a variety of forms. 

Primary Diet

• Frozen Food: They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect.
• Pellet Food: High-Quality pellets are a great option. Cardinals prefer to feed in the water column, rather than at the water surface, so neutrally buoyant or slow sinking pellets work best. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality.
• Flake Food: Flake food isn't as popular of a choice among saltwater aquarists, but if you opt for a flake food, be sure to choose a marine-specific option that's formulated to meet the needs of saltwater fish.

Feeding Frequency

Feed your Pajama Cardinal at least once a day. For optimal health, try to offer small, frequent meals throughout the day-- 2-3 times is ideal if you can manage it. Your fish will probably always look hungry, so it can be hard to stop yourself from adding more food to the tank.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Pajama Cardinal is considered peaceful and should be kept with other peaceful tankmates.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Blennies, Gobies, most Wrasse, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, and other peaceful fish.
• Invertebrates: Cardinals won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep.
• Coral: The Pajama Cardinal is considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Group Behavior: The Pajama Cardinal can be kept in pairs or groups. If you'd like to keep multiple, it's a good idea to add them all at the same time.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions