:  The Cardinalfishes Home  >  Library  >   Fish Taxonomy   >  Cardinalfishes Back Taxonomy: Perciformes, Cardinalfishes  (Apogonidae) General Information: The cardinalfishes include about 330 species in 24 genera. They are mostly marine with a few brackish water and freshwater species. Their dorsal fin is divided into two distinct sections and they are often brightly colored. Their scales are ctenoid (overlapping and ridged). Diet: Most species feed on plankton. Final Note: Most species are safe with corals and other smaller fish. Most species are good community fish. Examples at SeaScape Studio: Bali Red Cardinalfish Banggai Cardinalfish Black Cardinalfish Five-striped Cardinalfish Flame Cardinal Lemon Drop Cardinalfish Orangestriped Cardinalfish Pajama Cardinalfish Red Stripe Cardinalfish Red-spot Cardinalfish Samoan Cardinalfish Threadfin Blue Eyed Cardinal Back