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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.
| Apogon maculatus | |
|---|---|
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| A young Apogon maculatus | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Apogonidae |
| Genus: | Apogon |
| Species: | A. maculatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Apogon maculatus Poey, 1860
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Description
editThe flamefish can grow to a size of 6-11.1 cm, 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]
Distribution
editThe 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]
Habitat
editDue 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]
Breeding
editThe 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]
Human use
editIn captivity the fish's color tends to fade unless it's fed color enhancing vitamins. It grows to a size of 11 centimeters (4.3 in) 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]
References
edit- ^ Gilmore, G.; Fraser, T. (2015). "Apogon maculatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T185937A1791910. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T185937A1791910.en. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d "CAS - Central Authentication Service cas.login.pagetitle". authn.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b c d e "Apogon maculatus summary page". FishBase. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ "Shorefishes - The Fishes - Species". biogeodb.stri.si.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b c "Apogon maculatus » NCFishes.com". NCFishes.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b "Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service". www.fws.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
- ^ a b c d "Flame Cardinalfish: Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums". www.liveaquaria.com. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ a b c d e f "Section: Fish Library: Group: Cardinalfishes: Species: Apogon maculatus (Flame Cardinalfish)". www.saltcorner.com. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
External links
edit
- Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Apogon maculatus". FishBase. December 2008 version.
- Animal Planet Animal Planet Apogon maculatus info page
- reef2reef reef2reef fish of the day Apogon maculatus info
- Photos of Apogon maculatus on Sealife Collection
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