Pterapogon kauderni
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-15 meters
The Banggai cardinalfish is one of the most strikingly patterned small fish found in Komodo's waters, with a silver body boldly marked with vertical black bars, long, ornate finnage, and distinctive tasselled first dorsal rays that give it an aristocratic appearance. This small species, reaching about 8 centimetres, has a remarkably restricted natural range centred on the Banggai Islands in Sulawesi, but introduced populations have established in several locations across Indonesia including parts of the Komodo region. In Komodo, they are typically found in small groups hovering among the spines of Diadema sea urchins or within the tentacles of sea anemones, using these stinging hosts as protection from predators. Like the jawfish, Banggai cardinalfish are paternal mouthbrooders — the male carries the fertilised eggs in his mouth for the entire three-week incubation period. Once hatched, the tiny juveniles settle immediately among sea urchin spines or anemone tentacles rather than entering a planktonic larval stage, which is highly unusual among reef fish and contributes to their limited dispersal ability.
Average Size
5-7cm
Size Range
2-8cm
Maximum Size
8cm
Feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and copepods captured from the water column. Typically feeds during the day while hovering near its protective host.
The Banggai cardinalfish is one of the most strikingly patterned small fish found in Komodo's waters, with a silver body boldly marked with vertical black bars, long, ornate finnage, and distinctive tasselled first dorsal rays that give it an aristocratic appearance. This small species, reaching about 8 centimetres, has a remarkably restricted natural range centred on the Banggai Islands in Sulawesi, but introduced populations have established in several locations across Indonesia including parts of the Komodo region. In Komodo, they are typically found in small groups hovering among the spines of Diadema sea urchins or within the tentacles of sea anemones, using these stinging hosts as protection from predators. Like the jawfish, Banggai cardinalfish are paternal mouthbrooders — the male carries the fertilised eggs in his mouth for the entire three-week incubation period. Once hatched, the tiny juveniles settle immediately among sea urchin spines or anemone tentacles rather than entering a planktonic larval stage, which is highly unusual among reef fish and contributes to their limited dispersal ability.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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Their extremely limited natural range, lack of planktonic larval dispersal, and massive overcollection for the aquarium trade have severely depleted wild populations. It is estimated that millions were collected before protections were implemented.
