| Apogon maculatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A young Apogon maculatus | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Apogonidae |
| Genus: | Apogon |
| Species: | A. maculatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Apogon maculatus Poey, 1860 | |
Apogon maculatus, commonly known as the flamefish, is a species of cardinalfish from the Western Atlantic. The flamefish is nocturnal and typically hides in shadowy areas.
The flamefish can grow to a size of 6–11.1 cm (2.4–4.4 in), depending on its environment. [2] The body of the flamefish is reddish-orange with small spots of black, and a large dark area on its tail. [3] The color combination is similar to fire, which gives the fish its name. [3] A long black stripe is present on the fish's snout. [4] Within the flamefish's scales, there are small comb-like spines for protection and flexibility. [5] Additionally, it has pre-dorsal scales that protect its gills. [5] The flamefish also has around 11-13 pectoral fins that help in changing direction and speed. [5]
The flamefish is usually found in the waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. [3] It primarily resides near the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbeans. [6] However, the flamefish has also been reported in Canada, Massachusetts, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Brazil. [6]
Due to its small size, the flamefish hides from predators within coral reefs. [3] Since coral reefs have abundant resources, they have become a popular mating site for flamefish. [3]
The flamefish participates in oral brooding or oral incubation. [2] After the female lays eggs, a male will fertilize them and keep the eggs in its mouth. [2] Although, the male flamefish's mouth is relatively protective, stress may decrease its parental care. [2]
In captivity the fish's color tends to fade unless it's fed color enhancing vitamins. It grows to a size of 11 centimetres (4.3 inches) in captivity. [7] This fish can be aggressive towards other cardinalfish. [7] Only one should be kept in a tank, unless it is a mated pairs. Two flamefish are suggested to be placed in a 55 imperial gallons (250 L) or larger tank. [7] Otherwise it does well with peaceful tank mates as long as it has caves and places to hide. [8] The ideal water conditions are temperatures of 72–78 °F (22–26 °C), with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020–1.025, and dKH at 8 to 12. [7] The flamefish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade because of its uniqueness.
The flamefish thrives in aquariums with only fish. [8] Rocks and hiding areas are necessary to help the flamefish feel safe. [8] If felt threatened by another tank fish, the flamefish may remain dormant by hiding during the day. [8] In captivity, the flamefish eats minced crustaceans and clams daily. [8] Some suggest that the flamefish should be fed in the early morning and evening. [8]
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