Spotted Cardinalfish

Spotted Cardinalfish

Description of the Spotted Cardinalfish
The Spotted Cardinalfish is also known as the Pajama Cardinal Fish, Pyjama Cardinal Fish, Coral Cardinalfish and Polkadot Cardinalfish. It is a peaceful and hardy fish and makes a perfect addition to any saltwater aquarium. The Spotted Cardinal is a social fish and does best in small groups. Its a paternal mouthbrooder, the male keeping the eggs safe until they fry hatch.

Profile of the Spotted Cardinalfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Spotted Cardinalfish species.

• Size: Up to 8.5cm 

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Shrimp, Bloodworms, Prefers Live food

• Temperament: Peaceful, good community fish

• Habitat: Shallow reef dwellers at depths of up to 14m

• Behaviour: Keep in small groups with other peaceful species and plenty of planting

• Range: Western Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Spotted Cardinalfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Sphaeramia nematoptera

• Popular Name: Spotted Cardinalfish - Pajama Cardinal Fish - Pyjama Cardinal Fish - Coral Cardinalfish - Polkadot Cardinalfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Apogonidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Spotted Cardinalfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Spotted Cardinalfish slimy?
Spotted Cardinalfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Spotted Cardinalfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Spotted Cardinalfish have gills?
Gills enable the Spotted Cardinalfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Spotted Cardinalfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Spotted Cardinalfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Spotted Cardinalfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Spotted Cardinalfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Spotted Cardinalfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Spotted Cardinalfish