Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
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Ocean Nutrition 

Apogon

Apogon pseudomaculatus

Longley, 1932

Twospot Cardinalfish

Likely Reef Tank Suitable

Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Massachusetts to Brazil.

Size: 4 inches (11 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits hiding areas in harbors, near pilings, and on sea walls and other areas out to outer reefs. Usually found at depths between 3 – 300 feet (1 – 90 m) where it feeds on small fishes and crustaceans/zooplankton during evening hours.

General Husbandry: Somewhat common in the trade and this very hardy species has a reddish body with a large dark spot on the upper mid-body and a smaller dark spot on the upper caudal peduncle.

Best maintained fish-only aquariums with subdued lighting, yet can also be maintained in reef aquariums, with both having several rocky caves/hiding areas. If maintained with moderately aggressive tankmates, will remain in hiding during daylight hours and may not get its fair share of the food when the aquarium is fed. If maintained with peaceful tankmates, will spend a good portion of its time in the aquarium open areas.

As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should be enriched and finely chopped and fed several times daily. Depending upon the environment in which its maintained, the best time of the day to feed are early morning and evening hours.

Taxonomy:

    Order: Perciformes

    Suborder: Percoidei

    Family: Apogonidae

    Subfamily: Apogoninae

    Genus: Apogon

FYI: Best maintained in groups of five or more.

Their diet should contain a color enhancer, such as Spirulina, as their color tends to fade in captivity.

A threat to small tankmates, shrimp, and small worms/feather dusters.

    Experience Level: Beginner

    Temperament: Peaceful

    Diet: Carnivore

    Coral Safe: Yes

    Fish Safe: With caution

    Invertebrate Safe: With caution

    Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

    Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

    Tankmates: Peaceful

    Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons

    Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 28°C)

    Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

    pH: 8.0 - 8.5

 Apogon pseudomaculatus (Twospot Cardinalfish)
Photo © akvariumas.com
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