Flamefish, also known by its scientific name Apogon maculatus, is a unique type of cardinalfish from the western Atlantic Ocean.
This fish is active at night and likes to stay hidden in dark places. To see it better, you can use a red light in a dark room.
Flamefish’s interesting features make it popular in aquariums. However, when kept in captivity, its color may fade unless given special vitamins to enhance it.
This fish can sometimes be aggressive toward other cardinalfish.
Hence, it’s recommended to have only one or two fish in a tank, especially if they are mated pairs or if the tank is 55 gallons or larger.
Flamefish gets along well with peaceful tank mates as long as there are hiding places like caves.
This fish is safe for reef environments and is one of the most common types of cardinalfish sold for aquariums.
Flamefish Interesting Facts
- Flamefish are nocturnal, often hiding in dark places during the day.
- In captivity, their color may fade without special vitamins to maintain vibrant hues.
- They can be aggressive toward other cardinalfish but get along with peaceful tankmates.
- As mouthbrooders, they carry eggs in their mouths for protection and breed year-round.
Flamefish Habitat
Flamefish is found in the Western Atlantic Ocean. Its range extends from Canada to Massachusetts, Bermuda, Bahamas, and from the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil.
It’s commonly found near sea walls and pilings, harbors, and coral reefs.
Living in marine environments near reefs, Flamefish can be found at depths of 0 to 128 meters.
For best results, keep the water temperature between 72°F to 78°F (22.2°C to 25.5°C), pH level between 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity between 1.020 to 1.025, and carbonate hardness between 8 to 12 dKH.
It thrives in tropical waters with a geographic range between 46°N to 7°N latitude as well as 98°W to 59°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 78°F (22.2°C to 25.5°C) |
| Water pH: | 8.1 to 8.4 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 8 to 12 dKH |
Flamefish Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.4 inches (11.1 centimeters)
Flamefish grow up to 4.4 inches (11.1 centimeters) long.
Flamefish Reproduction
Flamefish are mouthbrooders. This means they carry their eggs in their mouths to protect them. They can spawn, or reproduce, all year round.
When it’s time for courtship and spawning, Flamefish form unique pairs. Male Flamefish with eggs have been seen in the Bahamas during June and July months.
Flamefish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Kurtiformes |
| Family: | Apogonidae |
| Genus: | Apogon |
| Scientific Name: | Apogon maculatus |
| Also Known As: | Flamefish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |