Indian cardinalfish

📖 Overview

Indian cardinalfish (Apogon indicus), first described by Greenfield, 2001 is a tiny fish in the family Apogonidae (order Apogoniformes). Adults typically reach 4.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 6 to 8 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Apogonidae kept in the hobby.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Differs from other members of the A. erythrinus complex by having the following characteristics: from A. erythrinus by having a shorter second dorsal fin spine not reaching base of third ray of second dorsal fin when depressed and by usually having 13 pectoral fin rays (versus 14); from A. marquesensis by lacking scattered dark chromatophores on sides of caudal peduncle that extend anteriorly as a band to vertical from caudal fin base to vertical from end of dorsal and anal fin rays (pigment extends forward as a band in A. marquesensis) and by usually having 13 pectoral fin rays (versus 14); from A. susanae by usually having 13 pectoral fin rays (versus 14), by having pigment along the base of the second dorsal fin and on the dorsal surface of the caudal peduncle (pigment lacking in A. susanae), by usually having a well-developed suborbital triangle of pigment (usually lacking or faint in A. susanae, and by having a well-developed pigment blotch on caudal fin base (variable, but often faint or absent in A. susanae . Further characterized by having 23 pored lateral line scales; predorsal scales 6; large scales between first dorsal fin and lateral line 2, with smaller third scale at base of dorsal fin; circumpeduncular scales 14; total gill rakers 15, developed gill rakers 7; without free edge of skin near anterior nasal opening .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Indian cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 6 - 8 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Indian cardinalfish.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .

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