Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
When considering what essential or staple fish make the aquarium industry go round, youd be amiss not to mention the Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni). Its easy to see why this fish is so popular; they are peaceful, social, striking in contrast, and most importantly for the amateur aquaristthey are extremely resilient in captivity. Banggai distinguish themselves from other Apogonidae in a few ways starting with a magnificent tasseled dorsal fin, not to mention the forked caudal fin that resembles many fish that incorporate lyretail into their description. They also have a hypnotic dot pattern across their body which is unique to each individual fish, never repeating itself on another specimen. Banggai are relatively shy, forming loose associations and hosting with sea urchins (such as the Long Spined Diadema urchin), as well anemones and other branching corals. These interactions present a phenomenal opportunity for an aquarist to create a gorgeous symbiotic display.
Background
The Banggai Cardinalfish is found in shallow areas of the water surrounding the Banggai islands of Indonesia. Banggai Cardinalfish will form relationships with sea urchins, anemones, and branching corals, allowing for interesting interactions in the home tank. When disturbed, the Banggai Cardinalfish will retreat back to the sea urchin or its place of safety. Banggai have a very limited distribution in comparison to many other marine ornamentals; most of their population is limited to the Banggai islands of Indonesia, which puts them at risk for overfishing. In addition to potential overfishing the Banggai Cardinal also has to contend with habitat destruction or inhabitable habitats via the industrialization in the area in which they are found. So much so that NOAA Fisheries listed the Banggai as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Simply put, buying aquaculture Banggai puts less pressure on wild populations while also creating more sustainable jobs for those that raise them in captivity via aquaculture or mariculture.
Husbandry Guide
Aquacultured Banggai are a great fish for the novice aquarist due to their reliance and ease of adjustment to many captive environments, not to mention their disposition. They also make great community fish, ignoring similar sized fish though they may be intimidated by larger boisterous fast moving fish that may out compete them for resources, such as food or territory. Wild Banggai are found in loose associations and schools, with smaller ones often living within seagrass beds taking refuge underneath mangrove shade and roots. These areas are refuge from predators, turbid seas, and harsh direct sunlight, which are important factors to take note of while planning a system around Banggai.
Nutrition
If one area of husbandry has to be stressed especially with Banggai Cardinals, it is assuredly nutrition. It is imperative that you get new stock eating as soon as possible. While dry foods are more convenient, you may want to go the extra step for newly acquired specimens. This not only includes multiple feedings of meaty frozen (thawed) foods daily, but you also may need to trigger a feeding response with live foods such as our Nutramar Tigrio Pods. Once they are eating, you can experiment with sinking pelleted foods but this should not their main food source; protein from thawed frozen foods with supplements is your best bet for long term success. Some suggestions for food fare include small roe from other fish or inverts such as Nutramar prawn roe, as well as your typical offerings of mysis, enriched brine and krill Pacifica. As aquaculture fish are often younger and sexually immature, multiple feedings a day can help to accelerate this process as well as strengthen their immune system. As long as you maintain proper tank chemistry in your system in particular nutrient export, do not be afraid to slightly overfeed new tank acquisitions.
The optimal tank set up for Banggai
Banggai are semi-cryptic in nature despite being found in shallow lagoons of sea grass and amongst mangroves. We can take a clue from the size of their eyes which show an adaptation for seeing in low light levels. These areas are typically not turbid intertidal zones and Banggai may get stressed out in the high flow of turbid reef aquaria. While it's obvious not to combine them with predatory fish, it is suggested you also try to avoid fish that will outcompete them for food or nip at their extravagant fins. You may be able to mitigate this in larger aquaria by target feeding using a pipette or turkey baser.