Family Apogonidae

1. Family Apogonidae
• Valid Scientific name: Apogonidae
• Synonyms: None valid
• Common name(s): Cardinal fishes
• Local name(s): Apogonidés [French], Cardinalfishes [English], Dangat [Filipino], Poissons-
cardinaux [French], Cardenales [Spanish]

2. Distinguishing Group Traits

There are about 200 species of cardinalfishes distributed in all tropical and warm temperate
oceans. They are distinguished by their triangular dorsal fins that are almost the same in size. They are
a group of small-sized fishes with the biggest reaching only 20cm in length. Their bodies are
moderately compressed and ovate with large eyes. They are also distinguished for their double-edged
preopercle either smooth or serrated. The teeth may be enlarged or absent, depending on the species.
Their bodies are covered with large ctenoid or cycloid scales, except for one species. They are guarders
and the males keep eggs in their mouths until they hatch (Bray & Gomon, 2022).

3. Ecology
The ecology of cardinalfishes spans from being a predator of small invertebrates to being the
prey of larger fishes such as sharks. They are generally peaceful and would not have problems with
other fishes in the ecosystem unless brooding which is also one of the reasons why they make good
aquarium fishes. As members of the nocturnal planktivore assemblages in coral reefs, they play an
important role in the transfer of energy to the next trophic levels. Despite their role in the reef tropho-
dynamics, it remains a trophic pathway that is often overlooked in studies. Nevertheless,
cardinalfishes contribute much to the overall health of reefs (Marnane M. , 2001).

4. Distribution (Spatial)

Figure 1. Spatial distribution of species under Family Apogonidae [A. Recorded from 1794-1999, B.
Probably present as of May 2022] (GBIF,2021)
5. Diet
Cardinalfishes are generally carnivorous. Their diet includes zooplankton and small benthic
invertebrates such as polychaete and crustacean larvae, copepods, small decopods, etc. In captivity,
cardinalfishes are fed with marine pellets, Mysis shrimp, and other frozen food products. They are
part of the nocturnal planktivore assemblages in coral reefs as they tend to feed more at night than
during the day (Marnane, 2002).
6. Reproduction
Cardinalfishes are oviparous organisms. Their reproductive guild is bearers. The female lays
eggs in a gelatinous mass. The number of eggs may vary reaching hundreds depending on the species.
The male cardinalfish then fertilizes the eggs and keeps it in their mouth until the eggs hatch in about
28 days. During this incubation period, the male barely eats (Lini, 2019).

7. Philippine Representatives

https://tinyurl.com/453y9smz https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1642 https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1756

Cheilodipterus macrodon Fao Fo Nectamia luxuria

Large toothed cardinalfish Weedy cardinalfish Multi-barred cardinalfish
Occurrence in the Philippines: Occurrence in the Philippines: Occurrence in the Philippines:
Native Native Native
8. Environment
The majority of Apogonidae species are found in the Indo-Pacific oceans but they are well
represented in warm temperate and tropical regions. They occur in brackish, marine environments.
There are also freshwater cardinalfishes. They are found in coral reefs where they forage at night and
seek shelter in crevices during the day (Bray & Gomon, 2022).
9. Most recent studies

10. Trivia
Cardinalfishes are mouthbrooders
Unlike most fish groups that spawn gametes in the water column, or in nests with demersal eggs,
cardinalfishes keep their eggs in their mouth until it hatches. The average number of eggs their
mouths can hold is 40, but only 50% usually hatch successfully (Nilsson & Nilsson, 2004).
Cardinalfishes got their name due to their color
Cardinalfishes were first discovered in the 1700s by Linnaeus. At the time, the color of these fishes
reminded them of the bright red robes worn by Catholic priests and therefore was named cardinals.
Similarly, birds of the same red color were named cardinals (Aspinall, 2020).
Cardinal tetras twitch when something is wrong
Cardinal tetras are common in aquarium displays. This fish has a unique way of letting the owners
know that something is wrong in their environment with regards to pH, overcrowding, illness, stress,
etc. They clamp on one side of their body when this happens (Sharpe, 2021).