Apogon maculatus (Poey, 1860)
Flamefish
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  11.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 128 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951) to Massachusetts (USA), Bermuda, Bahamas, and Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 26340) to Brazil.
Diagnosis:  Red to dusky red with a round black spot beneath rear of second dorsal fin and a broad blackish saddle-like bar on caudal peduncle.
Biology:  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.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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