Apogon maculatus
{{Short description|Species of fish}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Apogon maculatus.jpg
| image_caption = A young Apogon maculatus
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| taxon = Apogon maculatus
| authority = 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.
Description
The flamefish can grow to a size of {{cvt|6–11.1|cm}}, depending on its environment.{{Cite journal |jstor=1443794 |title=Oral Brooding in the Cardinal-Fishes Phaeoptyx conklini and Apogon maculatus from the Bahamas |last1=Charney |first1=Pamela |journal=Copeia |date=1976 |issue=1 |pages=198–200 |doi=10.2307/1443794 }} The body of the flamefish is reddish-orange with small spots of black, and a large dark area on its tail.{{Cite taxon |fishbase |genus=Apogon |species=maculatus |access-date=2024-10-14}} The color combination is similar to fire, which gives the fish its name. A long black stripe is present on the fish's snout.{{Cite web |title=Shorefishes - The Fishes - Species |url=https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/caribbean/en/thefishes/species/3600 |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=biogeodb.stri.si.edu}} Within the flamefish's scales, there are small comb-like spines for protection and flexibility.{{Cite web |title=Apogon maculatus » NCFishes.com |url=https://ncfishes.com/marine-fishes-of-north-carolina/apogon-maculatus/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=NCFishes.com |language=en}} Additionally, it has pre-dorsal scales that protect its gills. The flamefish also has around 11-13 pectoral fins that help in changing direction and speed.
Distribution
The flamefish is usually found in the waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. It primarily resides near the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbeans.{{Cite web |title=Flamefish (Apogon maculatus) {{!}} U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |url=https://www.fws.gov/species/flamefish-apogon-maculatus |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=www.fws.gov |language=en}} However, the flamefish has also been reported in Canada, Massachusetts, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Brazil.
Habitat
Due to its small size, the flamefish hides from predators within coral reefs. Since coral reefs have abundant resources, they have become a popular mating site for flamefish.
Breeding
Human use
In captivity the fish's color tends to fade unless it's fed color enhancing vitamins. It grows to a size of {{convert|11|cm|in|abbr=off}} in captivity.{{Cite web |title=Flame Cardinalfish: Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums |url=https://www.liveaquaria.com/product/79/?pcatid=79#:~:text=Overview,its%20size,%20live%20feeder%20fish. |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=www.liveaquaria.com}} This fish can be aggressive towards other cardinalfish. 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. Otherwise it does well with peaceful tank mates as long as it has caves and places to hide.{{Cite web |title=Section: Fish Library: Group: Cardinalfishes: Species: Apogon maculatus (Flame Cardinalfish) |url=https://www.saltcorner.com/AquariumLibrary/browsespecies.php?CritterID=592#:~:text=General%20Husbandry:%20Common%20in%20the%20trade%20and,yet%20can%20also%20be%20maintained%20in%20reef |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=www.saltcorner.com}} The ideal water conditions are temperatures of {{convert|72|–|78|F|C}}, with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020–1.025, and dKH at 8 to 12. The flamefish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade because of its uniqueness.
The flamefish thrives in aquariums with only fish. Rocks and hiding areas are necessary to help the flamefish feel safe. If felt threatened by another tank fish, the flamefish may remain dormant by hiding during the day. In captivity, the flamefish eats minced crustaceans and clams daily. Some suggest that the flamefish should be fed in the early morning and evening.
References
External links
{{Commons category|Apogon maculatus}}
- {{FishBase | genus = Apogon | species = maculatus| month = December| year = 2008}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20090412121028/http://animal.discovery.com/guides/fish/marine/flamefish.html Animal Planet] Animal Planet Apogon maculatus info page
- [http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/fish-discussion/95699-fish-day-flamefish-cardinalfish.html reef2reef] reef2reef fish of the day Apogon maculatus info
- {{SealifePhotos|159589}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2374278}}
Category:Fish of the Eastern United States
Category:Fish of the Caribbean
Category:Fish of the Dominican Republic
Category:Taxa named by Felipe Poey
Category:Fish described in 1860
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