Behavioural data for Twospot cardinalfish is currently being
reviewed.
🦐 Diet
aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus
🥚 Reproduction
👄 Mouth Brooder
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 100 m . Tropical; 43°N - 34°S Central Atlantic: St.
AIAWAntigua and BarbudaBahamasBelizeBrazilCWColombiaCosta RicaCubaEquatorial GuineaGFGrenadaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaKYMexicoNicaraguaPRPanamaSHSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSurinameSão Tomé and PríncipeTCTrinidad and TobagoUnited StatesVGVIVenezuela
🌿 Ecology
Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.4±0.45
📐 Morphometrics
Length–Weight Relationship:
W = 0.01318 × L3.06
(TL)
Max TL
11cm
Dorsal Spines
7
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
2
Anal Rays
8
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
Salinity Range
30–40ppt
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2013
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
15.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
43°N
–
34°S
Described By
Longley, 1932
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Twospot cardinalfish is an edible species."
✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
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
✗ Avoid If
Cloudy or sunken eyes
Strong fishy or ammonia odour
Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
BakingGrillingPan-frying
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nutrient
Amount
Protein
18.8 g
Omega-3 (total)
181 mg
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Twospot cardinalfish has not yet been
assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g
- Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)