Flammen-Kardinalbarsch im Aquarium im Zoo Zürich

Flamefish

Apogon maculatus

The flamefish is a mouthbrooder. The male takes the fertilised eggs into his mouth and carries them there until the juveniles hatch. This ensures that the eggs are protected whilst they develop.

LC

Red List
Least Concern

The Flamefish is a saltwater fish found in the western Atlantic, in warm, coastal waters. It is one of the most common fish in the Caribbean. It lives in coral reefs or rocky areas, where it spends the day in caves or other hiding places. It only leaves its cover at dusk to search for food. This predatory fish feeds on invertebrates or small fish.

The Flamefish belongs to the cardinalfish family. It is reddish in colour; its name appears to be inspired by the colour of a cardinal’s robes. In addition to its orange-reddish colouring, the Flamefish has a black spot behind each eye and one below each dorsal fin.

Taxonomy

Apogonidae, genus Apogon (around 50 species)

Habitat

tropical waters of the western Atlantic, in coastal coral reefs and rocky areas

Behaviour and ecology

nocturnal, spending the day in caves or shelters

Diet

small invertebrates and fish

Taxonomy

Apogonidae, genus Apogon (around 50 species)

Habitat

tropical waters of the western Atlantic, in coastal coral reefs and rocky areas

Behaviour and ecology

nocturnal, spending the day in caves or shelters

Diet

small invertebrates and fish

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