{"product_id":"flame-cardinalfish","title":"Flame Cardinalfish","description":"\u003ch3\u003eFlame Cardinalfish: The Striking Cave Dweller\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFlame Cardinalfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (Apogon maculatus), also often called the \u003cstrong\u003eFlamefish\u003c\/strong\u003e, is one of the more colorful and hardy species in the Cardinalfish family (Apogonidae). It is highly prized for its vibrant, fiery \u003cstrong\u003ered to dusky-red coloration\u003c\/strong\u003e, which may have light accents of blue or green. A prominent feature is a small, round \u003cstrong\u003eblack spot\u003c\/strong\u003e 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).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative 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 \u003cstrong\u003e4.3 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e (11 cm), it is suitable for a minimum aquarium size of \u003cstrong\u003e30 to 40 gallons\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFlame Cardinalfish\u003c\/strong\u003e is also known to be a \u003cstrong\u003emouthbrooder\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the male carrying the eggs in his mouth until they hatch—a fascinating behavior occasionally observed in home aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Compatibility:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Cardinalfish is a \u003cstrong\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003emysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods\u003c\/strong\u003e, and finely chopped marine flesh. Nocturnal tendencies may mean the fish feeds best during low light or after the main lights are off.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is generally considered \u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe With Caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e It is \u003cstrong\u003eSemi-Aggressive to Territorial\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u0026lt;\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apogon maculatus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Common Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flame Cardinalfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOther Common Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flamefish, Spotted Cardinalfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.3 inches (11 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-Aggressive \/ Territorial (especially toward conspecifics)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore (Frozen meaty foods)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30-40+ Gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution (May prey on very small invertebrates)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SDC","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":67893169488104,"sku":"hzc1791986127195","price":36.13,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":67893169520872,"sku":"uvf1791986127196","price":38.42,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":67893169553640,"sku":"upj1791986127197","price":44.41,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/4570\/4424\/files\/flame-cardinalfish_1.webp?v=1791986132","url":"https:\/\/glitzdrapefit.shop\/products\/flame-cardinalfish","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}