cardinal fish
| Scientific name | Apogon imberbis |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Linnaeus |
| Year of description | 1758 |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
| Family | Apogonidae |
| Genus | Apogon |
Introduction
Apogon imberbis, commonly known as cardinal fish, is a salt water fish.
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Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size12 cm
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Maximum size15 cm
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ShapeUnclassifiable
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Average size12 cm
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Maximum size15 cm
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ShapeUnclassifiable
How to recognize the cardinal fish ?
The cardinal fish measures between 12 and 15 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly rouge body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in a group or alone
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territorialYes
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Way of livingnocturnal
The cardinal fish is a fish living in a group or alone naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
Although slightly territorial, the cardinal fish is a rather peaceful animal that generally behaves in a peaceful manner with other species. It should be noted that it is sometimes less tolerant with its conspecifics. Parades or even small jousts may occur between different members of the group until a hierarchy is established.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare incubateur buccal paternel
The cardinal fish is a fish ovipare incubateur buccal paternel.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature25 - 28 °C
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Depth3 - 200 m
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FlowMedium
Biotope presentation
The cardinal fish is most often found at a depth between 3m and 200m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume400 liters
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Population min1
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Temperature25 - 28 °C
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pH (acidity)8.2 - 8.4
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingmoderate
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Robustnessrobust
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Behaviourpeaceful
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Availabilityoccasional
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the cardinal fish
The cardinal fish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 25 °C and 28 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 31°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.
The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.
This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.
Formal incompatibilities
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 400 liters.
Fearful by nature, it is advised not to let the cardinal fish cohabit with large territorial species or with too aggressive fish. It can easily evolve with territorial neighbors with a peaceful temperament or with non-territorial species.
Be careful to plan an adequate space for each territorial species. Each species should have a surface and a decor allowing it to juxtapose its territory with that of its neighbors.
Tips for feeding
The cardinal fish is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.
Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultymoderate
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egg-laying protectionYes
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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To go further
Species of the same family
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Bibliographic references
MAJOR CORAL REEF FISH SPECIES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC WITH BASIC INFORMATION ON THEIR BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY - Kulbicki Michel - Labrosse Pierre - Letourneur Yves - Manaldo Esther - Moutham Gérard - Vigliola Laurent - Wantiez Laurent - - 2011. Nouméa
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
