Fin's Fish Guide
The Flame cardinalfish (Apogon doryssa) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The longspine cardinalfish is a small, nocturnal cardinalfish of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the western Indian Ocean to the Tuamotu Islands and Japan. It grows to about 8 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, reddish body with two dorsal fins, of which the second spine is notably thick and long. By day the fish shelters hidden on protected reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs; at night it emerges to eat zooplankton. Like all cardinalfish it is a mouthbrooder in which the male incubates the eggs in his mouth. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flame cardinalfish?
The Flame cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly thick, long second dorsal fin spine; the male broods the eggs in the mouth
Where does the Flame cardinalfish live?
The Flame cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Flame cardinalfish get?
The Flame cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Flame cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Flame cardinalfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Flame cardinalfish edible?
The Flame cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Apogon
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Flame cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flame cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.