Flame Cardinalfish
Apogon spp
Saltwater Fish
Species Group: Cardinalfish
Family: Apogonidae
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Water parameters
Temp
76-80 F
Temperature
Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.
pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of HydrogenMeasuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.
NO3 1-20 ppm NitrateWhile less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.
NO2 <0.0001 ppm NitriteIt is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia
PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm PhosphateIt is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.
NH3 <0.1 ppm AmmoniaIt is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death
Ca 380 - 450 ppm CalciumSupporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae
KH 8 - 12 dKH AlkalinityIt acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.
Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm MagnesiumIt enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.
SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG SalinityEssential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals
ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction PotentialA higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.
About Flame Cardinalfish
General information
The Flame Cardinalfish, also known as the Flamefish or Pterapogon kauderni, is a small saltwater fish that is native to the Western Pacific Ocean. These fish are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their striking appearance and ease of care.
Flame Cardinalfish have a distinctive appearance with a bright red body and three vertical white stripes. They have a peaceful temperament and are suitable for small to medium-sized aquariums, typically reaching a size of up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length. They prefer to live in schools and should be kept with other peaceful fish.
Diet & nutrition
Flame Cardinalfish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet that includes both meaty and plant-based foods. This can include frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of seafood, as well as high-quality flake or pellet foods.
Determining sex
It can be difficult to determine the sex of Flame Cardinalfish, as males and females look very similar. In general, males may be slightly larger and more brightly colored than females.
Breeding & spawning
Flame Cardinalfish are known to breed in captivity, with pairs forming during courtship. The female will lay eggs on a flat surface, such as a piece of rock or coral. The male will then fertilize the eggs and guard the nest until the eggs hatch.
Diseases
Flame Cardinalfish are generally hardy and not prone to disease if kept in a well-maintained aquarium. However, they can be susceptible to common fish diseases such as ich and fin rot. It's important to quarantine new fish before adding them to an established aquarium to prevent the spread of disease.
Origination
The Flame Cardinalfish is native to the Western Pacific Ocean, including regions such as Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Cautions
Flame Cardinalfish are generally safe to keep in a home aquarium and are not venomous.
Acclimation process
When introducing Flame Cardinalfish to a new aquarium, it's important to acclimate them slowly to their new environment. This can be done by floating the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for about 20-30 minutes to allow the temperature to equalize. Then, gradually add small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over the course of an hour to help the fish adjust to the water chemistry.
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