Apogon apogonides is a species of Cardinal Fish from the family of Apogonidae.
Similar species: Kurtiformes
By Albert Kang
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Uploaded Jun 11, 2017. Captured May 8, 2013 13:17 in Mabini Circumferential Rd, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines.
comments (3)
The ultimate shot would be to get it when it is 'spitting' the eggs/embryo out to aerate them. Posted 8 years ago
If you think that it looks like this Goldbelly Cardinalfish (Apogon apogonides) has a mouthful of eggs, then you’re correct! Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders! After a male fertilizes a female’s eggs, he collects them in his mouth and carries them until they hatch! Mouthbrooding increases the survival of the brood by protecting them from predators and environmental stressors. It’s not easy on the male parent though because he can’t eat while mouthbrooding. Plus, he has to expend precious energy to churn the eggs in order to keep them clean and aerated. But, many of these “Mr. Mom” cardinalfish will actually cannibalize up to 30% of their brood if they get hungry enough. {Spotted in the Philippines by JungleDragon moderator, Albert Kang} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago