Flamefish

The flamefish is recognized by its bright red body, the round black spot below the rear part of the second dorsal fin and the broad dark saddle on the tail base. It reaches 10–11 cm and is the Atlantic cardinalfish most often kept in aquariums. In the wild it lives in the Western Atlantic on coral reefs, harbor walls, pier pilings and rocky shores. It is nocturnal; it spends the day in crevices and holes and hunts small crustaceans in the dark. It is sensitive to shipping and the acclimation period; acclimate it slowly.

• At least 150 liters for a pair.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 23–26°C.
• Reef-safe with caution: it leaves corals alone, but may eat small ornamental shrimp and crustaceans that fit in its mouth.
• Plenty of holes, rock overhangs and shaded corners; it avoids very bright light.

Carnivorous. Offer frozen mysis, krill, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and granules. Since it is nocturnal, feeding early in the morning and in the evening as the lights are dimmed is best.

Peaceful and shy; it mostly hides during the day. It can be territorial towards its own kind; a mated pair or a single specimen is the safest option.

Good companions: Clownfish, gobies, dartfish, blennies, royal gramma, large cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Small ornamental shrimp, large predators, hawkfish, tough damselfish and busy, boisterous fish.