banggai cardinal fish
| Scientific name | Pterapogon kauderni |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Koumans |
| Year of description | 1933 |
| IUCN category (World) | EN |
| Family | Apogonidae |
| Genus | Pterapogon |
Introduction
The Pterapogon kauderni, more commonly known as the Banggai cardinal fish, is a tropical fish endemic to the island of the same name in Indonesia. It is threatened with extinction mainly due to the (wild) aquarium trade. Its reproduction is now controlled and should help reduce pressure on natural populations. It has been proposed to add it to the CITES Appendix to regulate its protection.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size5 cm
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Maximum size8 cm
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Longevity6 year
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ShapeUnclassifiable
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Patternvertical stripes
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Average size5 cm
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Maximum size8 cm
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Longevity6 year
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ShapeUnclassifiable
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Patternvertical stripes
How to recognize the banggai cardinal fish ?
The banggai cardinal fish is bi-colored with a mostly silver and black body. This species has some vertical black stripes.
Sexual dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism is not easy to observe, however male Pterapogon kauderni have a larger buccal cavity than females.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving as a couple or in a group
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
The banggai cardinal fish is a fish that lives as a couple or in small groups and naturally resides near rocky crevices. The members of each group organize themselves around a well-established hierarchy. It is a species with a slightly aggressive temperament towards its conspecifics.
Displays and minor skirmishes may occur between different group members until a hierarchy is established.
Although slightly territorial, the banggai cardinal fish remains a rather peaceful fish that generally behaves peacefully towards other species.
This fish doesn't really have a defense mechanism and, without mutualism, is often observed near branching corals of the genera acroporas, anacropora, Echinopora and Seriotopora in which it hides in case of danger. It also often associates with the diadem sea urchin Diadema setosum and even with certain anemones or corals of the genus Heliofungia.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare incubateur buccal paternel
The banggai cardinal fish is a paternal mouthbrooding oviparous fish.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Geographic distribution & Conservation
Its populations have been heavily affected by fishing for the aquarium trade. Today, it is considered endangered throughout its distribution range. In addition to the Banggai populations, it seems to be present in the vicinity of Taliabu and Luwuk.
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature25 - 28 °C
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Depth1 - 3 m
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FlowStrong and Medium
Biotope presentation
The banggai cardinal fish is most commonly found at depths less than 3 meters. However, it is not impossible to find this fish at other depths. It is generally found near coral rocks with many crevices.
Species of the same biotope
longspine cardinalfish
Apogonidae
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume150 liters
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Population minnot specified
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Temperature25 - 28 °C
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pH (acidity)8.2 - 8.4
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingeasy
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Robustnessrobust
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Behaviourpeaceful
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Availabilitystandard
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the banggai cardinal fish
The banggai cardinal fish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 25 °C and 28 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 31°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.
Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 150 liters.
Fearful by nature, it is advised not to let the banggai cardinal fish cohabit with large territorial species or with too aggressive fish. It can easily evolve with territorial neighbors with a peaceful temperament or with non-territorial species.
Be careful to plan an adequate space for each territorial species. Each species should have a surface and a decor allowing it to juxtapose its territory with that of its neighbors.
The banggai cardinal fish is a fish that generally lives in groups outside of the reproduction periods. If you want to reproduce them and have a good chance of forming a couple, it is recommended to keep at least 5 individuals.. In a community aquarium, the chances of survival of the larvae are almost null. After a few spawns, it is preferable to isolate the couple or to separate from the other members of the group.
The hierarchical organization and the aggressiveness between fellow fish can weaken certain individuals, the presence of hiding places becomes then necessary. If you wish to add new members, it is better to introduce younger fish. They will have a better chance of integrating into the new balance.
As previously said, The banggai cardinal fish is a species that lives naturally in the current. Thus, we advise the installation of an oversized filtration system (10 to 20 times the volume of the tank) in order to guarantee a strong current and especially a strong oxygenation. A venturi system will improve the dissolved oxygen rate during summer.
Tips for feeding
The banggai cardinal fish is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.
Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultymoderate
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egg-laying protectionYes
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To go further
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To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Quentin Barrault
Benoit Chartrer
Patrick Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Species of the same family
Species of the same biotope
longspine cardinalfish
Apogonidae