Shop cardinalfish for sale at Live Fish Store and add calm, elegant movement to your reef. Cardinalfish are peaceful, slow-swimming saltwater fish known for their large eyes, upright fins and striking patterns, and they are among the few marine fish that are commonly captive bred. Every cardinalfish we sell ships overnight to your door.
Why buy cardinalfish from Live Fish Store
- Healthy, well-acclimated fish: we select feeding cardinalfish and pack them carefully for a stress-free trip.
- Overnight shipping: live fish ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air.
- Live arrival guarantee: report any DOA within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement.
- Free shipping on $80+: qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free.
Choosing the right cardinalfish for your tank
- Tank size: most cardinalfish stay small and are at home in tanks of around 30 gallons and up; larger groups need more room.
- Water: 72-78°F, specific gravity around 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4, with overhangs and caves where they can hover during the day.
- Temperament: peaceful and deliberate swimmers that do best with calm tankmates. Species such as the pajama cardinal enjoy small groups, while Banggai cardinals are best kept in pairs once mature.
- Diet: carnivores that accept mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small pellets and other meaty foods; feed in the evening when they are most active.
Cardinalfish are fully reef safe, and many species are mouthbrooders, so a compatible pair may even spawn in a well-kept aquarium.
Shipping and live arrival guarantee
Live fish ship overnight via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air to minimize time in transit. Every order is covered by our live arrival guarantee: report a DOA within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement. Qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free within the USA.
Frequently asked questions
Are cardinalfish reef safe?
Yes. Cardinalfish ignore corals and ornamental invertebrates and are a classic reef community fish.
Can cardinalfish be kept in groups?
Many can. Pajama cardinals do well in small groups, while adult Banggai cardinals may squabble unless kept as a pair.
Are cardinalfish good for beginners?
Yes. They are hardy, peaceful and eat prepared foods readily, especially captive-bred specimens.
Popular Cardinalfish
