Flame Cardinal Fish

Flame Cardinal Fish

Description of the Flame Cardinal Fish
The Flame Cardinal Fish is also known as the Spotted Cardinal or Flame Fish. It is a nocturnal fish and spends the day hiding in caves and rock crevices. It is important to ensure it is housed in a tank with plenty of planting and hiding places. It is an ideal choice for the beginner as it is hardy and easy to feed.

Profile of the Flame Cardinal Fish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Flame Cardinal Fish species.

• Size: up to 11cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Mysis Shrimp, Bloodworms, Dried Food

• Temperament: Aggressive to other Cardinal Fish, Keep a single specimen or a mating pair together

• Habitat: Marine Reef Dweller at depths of up to 128m

• Behaviour: Need plenty of planting and caves to hide in, Peaceful towards other fish species

• Range: Western Atlantic

Scientific Classification of the Flame Cardinal Fish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Apogon maculatus

• Popular Name: Flame Cardinal Fish - Flame Fish - Flame Cardinal

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Apogonidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Flame Cardinal Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Flame Cardinal Fish slimy?
Flame Cardinal Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Flame Cardinal Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Flame Cardinal Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Flame Cardinal Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Flame Cardinal Fish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Flame Cardinal Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Flame Cardinal Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Flame Cardinal Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Flame Cardinal Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Flame Cardinal Fish