Western Atlantic, mainly Gulf of Mexico, Florida and the Caribbean; also Bermuda, Bahamas and Brazil. Hides in coral reefs.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
11 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025; dKH 8–12
Minimum tank
250 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes
Care
Wikipedia gives 22–26 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.020–1.025 and dKH 8–12. Keep one per tank unless you have a mated pair; a pair needs about 250 litres or more. Provide caves and shaded hiding places. Nocturnal: it hides in shady spots by day and may stay hidden if it feels threatened. Bright red with black spots at the base of the tail, under the second dorsal fin and on the gill cover. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apogonmaculatus). Checked October 2026.
Diet
Wikipedia suggests minced crustaceans and clams daily, ideally fed early in the morning and in the evening when it is most active. Mysis and other meaty frozen foods are also suitable; colour fades unless the diet includes colour-enhancing vitamins.
Breeding
A mouthbrooder: the female lays eggs, the male fertilises them and carries them in his mouth. Stress can make him neglect or abandon the brood.
Compatibility and tank mates
Reef safe. Peaceful with most fish but can be aggressive towards other cardinalfish. Avoid tankmates large enough to eat it.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
About Aquatic-Auctions
Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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