Reef fish
Banggai cardinalfish
Pterapogon kauderni
IUCN status: Endangered
A striking black-and-silver striped cardinalfish that shelters among long-spined sea urchins, with males mouth-brooding the eggs and young. Endemic to Indonesia's Banggai Islands, it has established introduced populations in the Lembeh Strait. Listed as endangered largely due to the aquarium trade.
- Max size
- ~8cm
- Habitat
- Shelter among sea urchins and anemones
Best places to dive with Banggai cardinalfish
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Lembeh Strait
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Found year-round in urchin clusters at several muck sites; the Lembeh population is introduced rather than native.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.