Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) in the wild are found living in shallow habitats ranging from coral reefs & lagoons to seagrass beds and reef margins. They prefer more protected calmer waters and are generally found in small groups of individuals ranging from 9 to 12 individual fish. The species has a short lifespan, reaching around 4 years in optimal conditions in captivity, and perhaps 1 to 2 years in the wild. Banggai Cardinalfish coexist well with other small reef fish species and are often found living around anemones and sharing the water space with Clownfish, Damselfish and a host of small crabs and shrimp. As this species is found extensively in the water around the Banggai Islands, it has been referred to as the Banggai Cardinal in the aquarium hobby for some time. However, it also goes by a number of other common names within the aquarium hobby including Kaudern’s Cardinalfish and Longfin Cardinalfish.
Wild Banggai Cardinalfish prefer to establish small schools of individuals ranging from 12 to 20 fish, where they will establish an area around a coral head, anemone or other similar reef structure. The group will stay near cover while they wait for feeding opportunities in the currents above. They will feed on small planktonic organisms in the currents and tiny crustaceans like amphipods and copepods. They generally stick to more shallow areas of the reef or in shallow lagoons as there are fewer larger predatory fish in these areas and more dense coral growth that can be used for protection from predators.
Banggai Cardinalfish are a paternal mouthbrooder, where the female initiates breeding activity with a male of similar size forming a breeding pair. Once a mating pair is established they will breed within a few days, where they will designate a breeding spot that they will defend aggressively. The female will deposit the eggs and the male will collect the eggs into his mouth in order to protect the eggs while they develop.
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This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media