Three Spot Flame Cardinalfish

The Three Spot Flame Cardinalfish (Apogon maculatus) is an orange-red Caribbean cardinalfish with dark markings behind the eye, beneath the second dorsal fin and across the tail base. Those marks can fade with the fish's condition and surroundings.

This is a shelter-seeking, largely nocturnal fish. Provide caves and shaded spaces where it can rest during brighter hours, and avoid fast, intimidating tankmates that monopolize food. Red lighting can make evening observation easier without requiring it to leave cover during the day.

Offer suitably sized marine meaty foods, directing some toward its sheltered feeding area. It may be aggressive toward other cardinalfish, so a group of separate individuals should not be treated as an established pair or peaceful shoal. Small crustaceans and other bite-sized animals can become food.