Pearlycheek cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Pearlycheek cardinalfish (Apogonichthyoides opercularis), first described by Macleay, 1878 is a small fish in the family Apogonidae (order Apogoniformes). Adults typically reach 7.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species active primarily at night. 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): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 24. This species is distinguished by the following characters: blackish-tipped first-dorsal fin; brownish bars on body absent, faint darker basicaudal mark in adults; a darkish mid-postocular mark just posterior of preopercular edge; 16 pectoral-fin rays without small darkish spot above axil; 10 soft dorsal-fin rays; 9 soft anal fin rays .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Pearlycheek cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated. Tropical Central Pacific: endemic to northern Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Pearlycheek cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Pearlycheek cardinalfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.