Flame Cardinalfish: The Striking Cave Dweller

The Flame Cardinalfish (Apogon maculatus), also often called the Flamefish, is one of the more colorful and hardy species in the Cardinalfish family (Apogonidae). It is highly prized for its vibrant, fiery red to dusky-red coloration, which may have light accents of blue or green. A prominent feature is a small, round black spot located just beneath the posterior section of the second dorsal fin, along with a blackish saddle-like bar on the caudal peduncle (base of the tail).

Native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico, this fish is a slow and methodical swimmer, preferring to spend its time hovering in shaded areas and caves. Due to its maximum size of approximately 4.3 inches (11 cm), it is suitable for a minimum aquarium size of 30 to 40 gallons. It is an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate hobbyists due to its general hardiness and adaptability to the home aquarium, though its nocturnal nature means it may not be constantly visible during the day.

The Flame Cardinalfish is also known to be a mouthbrooder, with the male carrying the eggs in his mouth until they hatch—a fascinating behavior occasionally observed in home aquariums.

Diet & Compatibility:

Diet: The Cardinalfish is a Carnivore, feeding on small fish and zooplankton in the wild. In the aquarium, it readily accepts a varied diet of fine, meaty, marine-based frozen foods. A diet should include mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped marine flesh. Nocturnal tendencies may mean the fish feeds best during low light or after the main lights are off.
Feeding: Feed at least once daily. A diet rich in carotenoids or color-enhancing vitamins will help maintain its vibrant red coloration, which can otherwise fade in captivity.
Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. It is peaceful toward corals and sessile invertebrates. However, like all cardinalfish, its large mouth means it may pose a threat to very small ornamental shrimp and mobile micro-crustaceans.
Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive to Territorial, particularly toward its own species and other cardinalfish. While generally peaceful with most non-cardinal tankmates, it is best kept singly or in an already established mated pair, unless housed in a very large tank (100+ gallons) where a small school of five or more can be attempted. Compatible tankmates should be peaceful and not overly boisterous, as this will cause the Cardinalfish to remain hidden.

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Apogon maculatus
Primary Common Name: Flame Cardinalfish
Other Common Names: Flamefish, Spotted Cardinalfish
Origin: Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico
Max Size: 4.3 inches (11 cm)
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial (especially toward conspecifics)
Diet: Carnivore (Frozen meaty foods)
Minimum Tank Size: 30-40+ Gallons
Reef Compatibility: With Caution (May prey on very small invertebrates)

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Flame Cardinalfish