{"product_id":"flame-cardinalfish-apogon-maculatus-saltwater","title":"Flame Cardinalfish (Apogon maculatus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E0F7FA;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFlame Cardinalfish\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eApogon maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e) brings glowing red color, bold dark markings and a little night-shift personality to the aquarium. Hardy and beginner friendly in an established marine tank, it spends much of the day near a favorite cave and becomes more active around dusk. Usually calm with suitably sized unrelated fish, it can be territorial with other cardinals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003esaltwater fish and supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to plan a comfortable home. Each purchase is for \u003cstrong\u003eone fish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons or larger, with established filtration and room for separate territories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Include several caves, overhangs and shaded areas. A secure retreat helps this naturally dusk-active fish settle in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer small portions of mysis shrimp, finely chopped marine seafood and other meaty foods two or three times daily. Try \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pe-pellets-saltwater-1mm-4oz\"\u003ePE Saltwater Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e for variety once it accepts pellets. Feed near its shelter if shy, and make sure faster fish do not take everything.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72 to 78°F, pH 8.1 to 8.4 and specific gravity 1.023 to 1.026. Keep ammonia and nitrite at zero and salinity stable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting and flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide shaded retreats and gentle to moderate circulation, with quiet areas away from direct pump outlets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSocial needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep one unless you have an established compatible pair and sufficient space. Avoid casually mixing cardinalfish species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid:\u003c\/strong\u003e A secure cover is recommended, especially while the fish settles in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eApogon maculatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eFlame Cardinalfish, Flamefish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eApogonidae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eWestern Atlantic, including Florida and the Caribbean\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner friendly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSemi-aggressive toward other cardinalfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 4 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e30 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCoral safe; caution with small shrimp and tiny fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e72 to 78°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific gravity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e1.023 to 1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e8.1 to 8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSale unit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #B2EBF2;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eOne fish, medium size grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose calm to moderately assertive marine fish too large to swallow, with enough space for each fish to claim shelter. Corals generally remain undisturbed, making this a possible choice for a thoughtfully stocked reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall ornamental shrimp, tiny fish and some small worms can become prey. Avoid aggressive fish that keep it hidden or outcompete it at feeding time. Other cardinals may provoke territorial disputes. Our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pajama-cardinalfish-sphaeramia-nematoptera-saltwater\"\u003ePajama Cardinalfish\u003c\/a\u003e is another option to consider for a different setup, rather than an automatic tank mate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/nutrition\"\u003eMarine fish foods\u003c\/a\u003e, including frozen mysis and varied meaty blends.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/pe-pellets-saltwater-1mm-4oz\"\u003ePE Saltwater Pellets 1 mm, 4 oz\u003c\/a\u003e for variety once accepted.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/water-testing\"\u003eWater testing supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to keep track of your marine aquarium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #006064;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs a Flame Cardinalfish reef safe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt generally leaves corals alone, but may eat small shrimp, tiny fish and small worms. Choose its tank mates with that appetite in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I keep two or mix different cardinals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA single fish is the simplest choice. Unbonded Flame Cardinals and other cardinal species may fight. An established compatible pair needs adequate space and separate retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does it hide during the day?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is naturally most active around dusk and after dark. Daytime sheltering is normal, but persistent hiding can also indicate bullying. Make sure it has cover and gets enough food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size tank does it need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlan for at least 30 gallons with caves and shaded rockwork. Adults reach about 4 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does medium mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMedium is the supplier's size grade, not a guaranteed measurement or its adult size. Sold individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51080034975963,"sku":"FCAFL150AT-4","price":45.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/ChatGPT_Image_Nov_9_2026_01_33_40_PM.jpg?v=1794249287","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/flame-cardinalfish-apogon-maculatus-saltwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}