Flamefish (Apogon maculatus)

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Apogoniformes · Family: Apogonidae · Genus: Apogon.

Accepted name: Apogon maculatus · Authority: (Poey, 1860) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 159589.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Apogon sellicauda Evermann & Marsh, 1900; Monoprion maculatus Poey, 1860.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=159589 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Apogon maculatus. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 11.100000381469727 cm · Depth range: 0–128 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: fusiform / normal · Vulnerability index: 10 of 100 · Fishery importance: commercial · Aquarium trade: commercial.

FishBase notes: Commonly found along sea walls and pilings, in harbors, and coral reefs. A nocturnal species, it remains hidden in cracks and crevices during the day (Ref. 9626).

Reaches depths of more than 100 m (Ref. 9626). Males with eggs have been spotted in Bahamas in June and July (Ref. 26938). Most common cardinalfish in the aquarium trade.

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 3526) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Apogon-maculatus.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

22,019 georeferenced occurrence records for Apogon maculatus are published through GBIF from 40 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 66 distinct locations from a sample of 3,000 records, omitting 8 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: United States of America (18,495); Puerto Rico (2,410); Bahamas (116); Belize (115); Virgin Islands (U.S.) (111).

The full country table, WoRMS marine regions and the sampling notes are on this species' Distribution page.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 5211761) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=5211761&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=159589 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Apogon maculatus (Poey, 1860) as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 185937) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/185937/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 5211761) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/5211761/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

The flamefish can grow to a size of 6–11.1 cm, depending on its environment. The body of the flamefish is reddish-orange with small spots of black, and a large dark area on its tail. The color combination is similar to fire, which gives the fish its name. A long black stripe is present on the fish's snout.

Within the flamefish's scales, there are small comb-like spines for protection and flexibility. Additionally, it has pre-dorsal scales that protect its gills. The flamefish also has around 11-13 pectoral fins that help in changing direction and speed.

Distribution

The flamefish is usually found in the waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean. It primarily resides near the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the Caribbeans. However, the flamefish has also been reported in Canada, Massachusetts, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Brazil.

Habitat

Due to its small size, the flamefish hides from predators within coral reefs. Since coral reefs have abundant resources, they have become a popular mating site for flamefish.

Breeding

The flamefish participates in oral brooding or oral incubation. After the female lays eggs, a male will fertilize them and keep the eggs in its mouth. Although, the male flamefish's mouth is relatively protective, stress may decrease its parental care.

Human use

In captivity the fish's color tends to fade unless it's fed color enhancing vitamins. It grows to a size of 11 cm in captivity. This fish can be aggressive towards other cardinalfish. Only one should be kept in a tank, unless it is a mated pairs.

Two flamefish are suggested to be placed in a 55 imperial gallons (250 L) or larger tank. Otherwise it does well with peaceful tank mates as long as it has caves and places to hide. The ideal water conditions are temperatures of 72 – 78 F, with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, sg 1.020–1.025, and dKH at 8 to 12. The flamefish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade because of its uniqueness.

The flamefish thrives in aquariums with only fish. Rocks and hiding areas are necessary to help the flamefish feel safe.

If felt threatened by another tank fish, the flamefish may remain dormant by hiding during the day. In captivity, the flamefish eats minced crustaceans and clams daily. Some suggest that the flamefish should be fed in the early morning and evening.

Source: Wikipedia: Apogon maculatus — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apogon_maculatus (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.