Cardinal fish
📖 Overview
Occasionally forms schools; sometimes solitary. Inhabits muddy or rocky bottoms and caves . A sciaphilous species thriving in a number of shady/dark habitats and frequents marine caves, where it forms large schools . Feeds on small invertebrates and fishes . Observed to feed in the water column and just over the bottom, always at night; 93.4% of observed events occurring outside the caves, usually on rocky bottoms and Posidonia oceanica meadows, and to a lesser extent on pebbles . Oral brooding by males .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Eye very large, much greater than snout. Pectoral fin long, reaching at least origin of anal fin. Preopercular edge only slightly serrated, preopercular ridge smooth. Body and fins red or pink, back and upper surface of head dusky. Two or three dark spots, sometimes joined, along base of caudal fin.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Cardinal fish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Males incubate eggs in buccal cavity . Embryos do not feed externally in the buccal cavity. Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning . Internal fertilization and paternal care by mouthbrooding is found to be a rare combination of reproductive strategy . Also Ref. 240.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 10 - 200 m . Subtropical; 45°N - 5°S, 32°W - 36°E
🌿 Ecology
small invertebrates and fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Cardinal fish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 291 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Cardinal fish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amia imberbe | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Amia imberbis | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Amia powelli | Fowler | 1917 | Synonym |
| Apogon inermis | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Apogon powelli | Fowler | 1917 | Synonym |
| Apogon rexmullorum | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
| Apogon ruber | Lacepède | 1801 | Synonym |
| Centropomus rubens | Spinola | 1807 | Synonym |
| Dipterodon ruber | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Kuhlia rubens | Spinola | 1807 | Synonym |
| Mullus imberbis | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Cardinal fish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 490 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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