{"product_id":"pyjama-cardinalfish-pair-sphaeramia-nematoptera","title":"Pyjama Cardinalfish Pair | Sphaeramia nematoptera","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSold as a settled pair, these Pyjama Cardinalfish bring double the polka-dot charm and a calm, hovering presence to a reef. One of the easiest and most likeable marine fish going.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePyjama Cardinalfish naturally occur around sheltered coral reefs, lagoons and rubble zones across the Western Pacific and broader Indo-Pacific. They are often seen close to branching corals, coral heads and protected structures where they can retreat quickly. A pair in the aquarium should be offered similar structure, with caves, overhangs and quieter spaces near open water for feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach fish displays the classic Pyjama Cardinal pattern: a yellow-green face, large red-orange eyes, a strong dark body band and a spotted rear section. As a pair, their gentle hovering behaviour and matching pattern create a balanced display. Adults reach about 8 cm each and do best where there is enough room for both fish to maintain comfort without being crowded by other tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis pair is peaceful and reef safe, making it suitable for calm community marine aquariums. They should not damage corals and are usually safe with larger ornamental invertebrates. Very small crustaceans may be eaten, which is normal for cardinalfish. Avoid aggressive, predatory or extremely fast-feeding species. A peaceful community helps the pair settle, feed confidently and display natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, copepods and quality marine pellets. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring both fish receive food. A varied diet improves condition and may encourage breeding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this is a pair, provide at least 160 L, with 220 L or larger preferred for a mixed reef community. Maintain 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity 1.023–1.026. Use stable filtration, good oxygenation and regular water changes. Flow should be gentle to moderate, with calmer hovering areas. Standard reef lighting is suitable, but shaded shelter is important. Aquascaping should include caves, ledges and branching coral-style structure, plus open water for feeding. Keep stress low during introduction and avoid adding aggressive fish after the pair is settled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePyjama Cardinals are mouthbrooders, with the male holding eggs until they develop. A compatible pair may spawn in a mature aquarium when well fed and not stressed. Fry require separate rearing, excellent water quality and suitably small foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSphaeramia nematoptera\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePyjama Cardinalfish Pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWestern Pacific and Indo-Pacific reef lagoons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 cm each\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–6 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful pair\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEasy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e160 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e220 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable – marine species\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.023–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEstablished marine aquariums and peaceful reef systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable – marine species\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include peaceful clownfish, gobies, blennies, firefish, royal grammas, fairy wrasses and calm reef community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with large predators, aggressive damsels, triggers, puffers, large hawkfish and territorial dottybacks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55351891099939,"sku":"BA9337-S","price":85.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Imported","offer_id":55216358752547,"sku":"BA9337","price":95.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Small (1-5cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562740203811,"sku":"BA9337-S-CB","price":85.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm) \/ Captive Bred","offer_id":55562740236579,"sku":"BA9337-M-CB","price":95.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/pyjama-cardinalfish-pair-sph-43090643190051.webp?v=1790305347","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/pyjama-cardinalfish-pair-sphaeramia-nematoptera","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}