Fin's Fish Guide
The Twospot cardinalfish (Apogon pseudomaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Description
The twospot cardinalfish is a small reef fish of the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a reddish body with a dark spot below the second dorsal fin and a second spot on the tail base, to which the name refers. It lives on hard and semi-hard bottoms of the continental shelf, in harbours and around pilings and sea walls. It is a nocturnal species that hides by day and hunts small animals at night. Like other cardinalfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Twospot cardinalfish?
The Twospot cardinalfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Dark blotch below the second dorsal fin and on the caudal peduncle; the male broods the eggs in his mouth.
Where does the Twospot cardinalfish live?
The Twospot cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; hard bottoms, harbours and piers.
How big does the Twospot cardinalfish get?
The Twospot cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Twospot cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Twospot cardinalfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Twospot cardinalfish edible?
The Twospot cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Twospot cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Twospot cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.