Cryptic cardinalfish
📖 Overview
This species is usually found solitary or in pairs at about 10-40 meters. It also displays a cryptic behavior, at least during daylight hours, sheltering between rocks and rubble. It has not been observed free swimming, but only when flushed from its lair with the use of clove-oil or rotenone. Specimens collected were living in a rubble field in sheltered waters at the base of a small islet or were found under rock slabs on a submerged patch reef (several km from shore) with abundant sponges and gorgonians and minimal hard corals. Some specimens were also collected from a flat sand and shell bottom with abundant Gonipora, some Fungia and considerable macroalgae .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. This species is characterized by having a blackish spot on the first-dorsal fin; 5 brownish bars on body and caudal peduncle; broad faint cheek mark; high postocular darkish spot; 14 pectoral-fin rays with a tiny to small darkish spot above the axil .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Cryptic cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders. Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; pelagic-neritic; depth range 20 - 60 m . Tropical East Indian to Western Pacific: Western Australia, Indonesia, Brunei and Palau.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Cryptic cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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