Flamefish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the tropical Western Atlantic, from North Carolina and Florida to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Inhabits caves, crevices, and under coral ledges at depths of 1 to 125 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Apogonidae. Features a robust body with large eyes suited for low-light conditions. Reaches a maximum length of 11 cm (4.3 inches).

Social Behavior: Peaceful and shy. Mostly cryptic during the day, remaining near its chosen cave, and emerging to hunt in open water at night.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is a brilliant solid flame-red or orange-red. Features a white horizontal line across the eye and two distinct black spots: one under the soft dorsal fin and one on the tail base. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 120 liters with ample live rock arranged to create deep, shady caves and overhangs. A tight-fitting lid is recommended as they may jump when startled.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on small crustaceans. Provide frozen foods like mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, and small high-quality pellets. Feed primarily in the evening.

Water Quality: Demands clean, stable water conditions: temperature 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.022-1.025, GH 15-25, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Completely peaceful with corals and other fish. May prey on extremely small ornamental shrimp. Keep singly, in pairs, or in small groups in larger systems.

Aquarium Reproduction: Paternal mouthbrooder. The male holds the fertilized eggs in his mouth for about 10 days until hatching, during which he does not eat.

Risks and Diseases: Hardy species. The main risk is bullying by aggressive tankmates, which can lead to stress-induced starvation or cryptocaryon infection.