These cardinalfish will not bother most tankmates or each other. Though they maintain a social hierarchy, they are not aggressive towards each other like the Banggai cardinalfish. Do not house pajama cardinals with large predators, as they are easy prey fish. Small shrimp may be looked on as food items by larger cardinals.

Wild pajama cardinals feed on small crustaceans at night. In captivity they will accept most meaty frozen foods and sometimes even flakes or pellets, though live mysis shrimp and amphipods are preferred. As these fish are nocturnal, they are not always willing to accept food during the daytime. Housing them with diurnal tankmates who are aggressive feeders may mean that the cardinals have to be fed at night or during a "twilight" period.

Pajama cardinals are easy fish to care for. They are hardy, handle transportation well, and will eat a variety of things. They will feel secure if provided with ample rockwork, and soon get used to aquarium life. It is best to keep these fish in groups of at least five, as they are social.