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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🌡️ Tropical

Mimic cardinal

Cheilodipterus parazonatus Gon, 1993
Max Length
6.1 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
2–25 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
11.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Inhabits shallow lagoon at about 1 to 15 m, but are occasionally found in deeper water down to 35 m. This species ventures into open water and seen in association with and imitating the foraging behavior of Meiacanthus vittatus. Swims with quick darting motion, mimics Meiacanthus vittatus (Ref 90102).

Scientific Name
Cheilodipterus parazonatus
Authority
Gon, 1993
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
6.1 cm
Depth Range
2–25 m
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
11.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Color in life pale greenish to brownish gray. Top of head and dorsum may be darker. A black midlateral stripe from snout to tail, tapering to a point on proximal third of midcaudal ray. Black stripe accentuated by a striking narrow white stripe along its dorsal and ventral edge. Fins transparent (Ref 8525). : elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Mimic cardinal is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Mimic cardinal is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

👄 Mouth Brooder

Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 25 m . Tropical; 5°S - 15°S

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.6±0.6

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00708 × L3.22 (TL)
Max TL
6.1cm
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
2022

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
11.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Gon, 1993

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