Cardinalfishes: Family Apogonidae

Tiny Reef Fish

There are approximately 330 species in the family Apoginidae. Collectively they are refered to as cardinalfishes.  Fish in this family are almost entirely marine (a few inhabit brackish waters).  They are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.  A few are popular marine fishes because of their beautiful patterns.

Family Characteristics

The avid diver will be able to find cardinalfishes under overhangs and in small caves in the coral reef.  They are generally very small fish and often have red coloration patterns.  In relation to their small sizes (usually less than 4 inches), they have very large mouths.  Some common aquarium fishes in the family are known for mouth brooding, caring their young in their mouths. 

Cardinalfishes are also distinguished by the division of their dorsal fin into two seperate fins.  

Apogonidae Classification

The following list of genera represent this family:

• Apogon
• Apogonichthys
• Archamia
• Astrapogon
• Cercamia
• Cheilodipterus
• Coranthus
• Fowleria
• Glossamia
• Gymnapogon
  
• Holapogon
• Lachneratus
• Mionorus
• Neamia
• Nectamia
• Paxton
  
• Phaeoptyx
• Pseudamia
• Pseudamiops
  
• Pterapogon
• Rhabdamia
• Siphamia
• Sphaeramia
• Vincentia