Apogons – Peaceful and Social Fish
Apogons, belonging to the family Apogonidae, are relatively easy fish to care for, making them a great choice for beginner aquarists. These social and steady fish tend to stick to specific areas of the aquarium, rarely exploring the entire tank. As a result, they do not require a large swimming area, and a pair can comfortably be housed in an aquarium of at least 60 liters.
Popular species of apogons
The Apogonidae family is extensive, offering many species suitable for aquariums. Among the most popular are Pterapogon kauderni, Sphaeramia nematoptera, Apogon leptacanthus, Apogon parvulus and Apogon cyanosoma.
Characteristics of apogons
Apogons are generally calm and relatively stationary swimmers. Many species are nocturnal feeders, although this behavior may shift in aquariums. During the day, these fish prefer dimly lit areas and may not always be highly visible to their owners. They thrive in aquariums with gentle water flow, making them an excellent choice for tanks featuring macroalgae and soft corals.
While they are peaceful and safe for other tank inhabitants, they can show mild intra-species aggression, usually to defend territory. During spawning, however, conflicts can escalate; for instance, two male Pterapogon kauderni may fight to the death over a female. Sexual differentiation in apogons is challenging and typically requires the expertise of an experienced breeder.
Apogons are hardy, disease-resistant fish that are relatively easy to maintain, even for novice aquarists.
Reproduction
One fascinating aspect of some Apogonidae species is their reproductive behavior. In several species, the male incubates the eggs in his mouth, and in the case of Pterapogon kauderni, the male also protects the hatched fry. Observing these fish during mating offers an excellent opportunity to study their unique breeding habits. Breeding apogons is feasible in captivity, though not in a community tank with other fish. Successfully raising fry requires technical knowledge, a proper setup, and experience. However, for novice hobbyists interested in breeding marine aquarium fish, Pterapogon kauderni is an excellent choice due to its relatively straightforward breeding process.
Diet of apogons
Apogons are generally not fussy eaters, though they may sometimes be selective, spitting out food in search of the perfect bite. They prefer “carnivore” foods such as mysis shrimp (live or frozen) and high-quality flakes like Tropical Marine Power Oceanic Mix. Male apogons incubating eggs may go several weeks without eating. After the fry are released, it is advisable to separate the male from the female and provide a nutrient-rich diet to prepare him for the next spawning.
Bartek Stańczyk
