Flame Cardinalfish (Apogon Maculatus) saltwater aquarium fish portrait

The Flame Cardinalfish (Apogon maculatus) is a compact Western Atlantic species dressed in red to orange-red, with an oblong, laterally compressed body, oversized eyes, and a comparatively large mouth. Field marks make identification straightforward: a dark stripe running through the eye, a rounded black spot positioned beneath the rear of the second dorsal fin, and a broad dark bar or saddle across the caudal peduncle. Its range covers reefs and sheltered coastal structures from the Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Florida through the Caribbean, with records extending north as seasonal strays and south toward Brazil.

Adult housing begins at a 30-gallon aquarium, and the layout matters more than raw volume. Build generous rockwork that yields caves, crevices, overhangs, and shaded pockets where the fish can settle during daylight hours. Subdued lighting suits its nocturnal disposition and encourages it to hold station in more visible positions. Tankmate selection also shapes how much you see of it: housed with calm companions, a Flame Cardinalfish will drift into open water, while moderately aggressive neighbors drive it into hiding where it can miss meals entirely.

This is a carnivore that hunts crustaceans and planktonic prey on the reef. Examined stomach contents include shrimp and shrimp larvae, crabs, copepods, polychaetes, isopods, and amphipods, and aquarium accounts add small fishes and zooplankton to that list. The large mouth and ambush-oriented feeding style reflect a predator that takes substantial mouthfuls relative to its size.

In the aquarium, offer finely chopped marine fish flesh and crustacean flesh, mysis and similar meaty marine preparations, clam, and appropriate frozen or flake foods. Enriched offerings help maintain the deep red coloration that makes this species worth displaying. Feed several small meals across the day, timing at least one for early morning or evening when the fish is naturally active, and watch shy individuals closely so faster tankmates do not take every portion before they emerge.

Mysis Shrimp Chopped Marine Fish Flesh Chopped Crustacean Flesh Clam Frozen Meaty Marine Preparations Marine Flake Food Enriched Zooplankton
Activity is concentrated after dark. During daylight the Flame Cardinalfish tucks itself into cracks, caves, and crevices, emerging as light levels fall. It is peaceful with most community fish, though it will hold and defend a preferred territory and can turn intolerant toward other cardinalfish. Guidance on conspecifics is not uniform: some keepers maintain a single specimen or a mated pair unless the aquarium is large and heavily structured, while others report success with groups of five or more. The conservative approach is a single fish or a pair in average-sized systems.

Choose tankmates that will not bully it into permanent seclusion, and treat very small fish as potential prey rather than companions. In a reef display this species is generally safe with corals, but it is not indiscriminately safe with invertebrates. The large mouth puts ornamental shrimp, small worms, and feather dusters at genuine risk, so stock reef inhabitants that are too large or too well protected to be swallowed.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Flame Cardinalfish

  • What aquarium size and habitat should I provide?
    Plan on at least a 30-gallon aquarium built around substantial rockwork with caves, crevices, and shaded overhangs. Secure daytime retreats and subdued lighting suit its nocturnal habits.
  • Is the Flame Cardinalfish safe for a reef aquarium?
    It is considered safe with corals and can be kept in reef systems. However, ornamental shrimp, small worms, feather dusters, and very small fish may be eaten, so choose reef inhabitants accordingly.
  • How often should a Flame Cardinalfish be fed?
    Provide several small meals daily using meaty marine foods such as chopped fish flesh, crustacean flesh, mysis, and clam. Timing feedings for early morning or evening matches its natural activity and helps shy individuals eat.