Apogon binotatus
Apogon binotatus naturally inhabits the Western and Central Atlantic Ocean, along the Bermuda Islands, southeastern Florida (USA), from the Bahamas to the Antilles and Venezuela. The fish can be found in depths ranging from 1 to 60 m.
Apogon binotatus has an elongated, laterally compressed body. The head is large, orange in color. The eyes are large. The mouth is relatively large. Upper jaw is broad, partially hidden when mouth is closed. Jaw with strips of small teeth. The belly is yellowish, the rest of the body pale orange. All fins colorless, transparent. At the root of the tail plumage and around the second dorsal fin black blurred vertical stripes. In aquarium conditions, the coloration of fish may become more faded than in nature. The size of fish reaches 13-15 cm.
This fish species is very sensitive to transport and takes a long time to acclimatize to life in an aquarium environment. In addition, these fish are a threat to small crustaceans so if you want to keep them, you need to pick up only large specimens of shrimp and crabs.
Apogon binotatus lead a very secretive way of life, hiding between the rocks throughout the day and swims out in the open space only at dusk. Over time, when the fish become accustomed to the aquarium environment, they will be more visible, but still not as often as other fish.
Keep fish recommended in an aquarium of 200 liters. Possible content in a common aquarium with other types of fish, commensurate in size. Can be aggressive against others, in connection with what is better to contain these fish one by one.
Gravel of various sizes can be used as soil. At the bottom should be placed large stones close to each other.
Water parameters: temperature 24-27° C, pH 8,1-8,4. Requires filtration and aeration of water. With proper water quality fish rarely get sick.
Lighting is preferably low. The duration of daylight hours 8-10 hours per day.
In order to ensure that the coloration of fish is not pale, need a varied diet: Cyclops, artemia, krill, mysis, small fish. By and large, these fish eat a lot and almost any food they are given, which should be taken into account when feeding other fish that may not have enough food. Feeding the fish should be done during the dark hours.
Reproduction
Apogon binotatus does not breed under aquarium conditions. All fish that occasionally appear on the domestic market are imported from their natural habitat.
