Pajama Cardinalfish Question

[ryshark]

I have one small captive bread PJ in my 120-gallon peaceful tank. During the daytime it just stays in one spot behind the rocks all day. I saw on Liveaquaria that they recommend these fish are kept in groups, so I ordered two more hoping that maybe having 3 would bring it out to swim more, all in a group. Now I'm second guessing my order (I think I can still change it). After a little more research I think that maybe 2 of the 3 will pair up, but still not swim much. Thoughts?

 

[MTBake]

I have 3 together in my tank since January 1st. They get along fine. The pj cardinals should be fine in groups based on what I've read. They do establish dominance but not in an aggressive way. I was even thinking of adding 3 more to my tank.

 

[ryshark]

I have 3 together in my tank since January 1st. They get along fine. The pj cardinals should be fine in groups based on what I've read. They do establish dominance but not in an aggressive way. I was even thinking of adding 3 more to my tank.

So are they actually active and seen in your tank swimming around?

 

[MTBake]

So are they actually active and seen in your tank swimming around?

They seem to stay to there preferred area, the left side of my tank. But yes, they are out and seen all day.

 

[MTBake]

I do believe these guys will do better in groups groups.

 

[Victor_C3]

I have never seen cardinals be active swimmers in the 16 years I’ve been in the hobby.

Yes, they will pair up, but they just hover in the same spot all day.

If active swimmers that sorta school are what you’re after, go with either some blue/green chromis or anthias of some sort. Maybe I’ve just smoked too much crack, but the cheap and common chromis are one of my favorite fish.

 

[ryshark]

I have never seen cardinals be active swimmers in the 16 years I’ve been in the hobby.

Yes, they will pair up, but they just hover in the same spot all day.

If active swimmers that sorta school are what you’re after, go with either some blue/green chromis or anthias of some sort. Maybe I’ve just smoked too much crack, but the cheap and common chromis are one of my favorite fish.

I was just trying to get him out of the back of the tank all day, he stays behind the rock instead of in front of the rock. I don’t have rock up against the back wall. Maybe that’s just a spot he as the preferred area.

 

[Victor_C3]

I was just trying to get him out of the back of the tank all day, he stays behind the rock instead of in front of the rock. I don’t have rock up against the back wall. Maybe that’s just a spot he as the preferred area.

Maybe try to temporarily change your aquascape and force him to move elsewhere for a day or two and then move it back to how you like it?

Just an idea...