Weed cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Occurs among seagrasses, heavy algal growth, or rubble of shallow sheltered areas ; sandy substrates . Readily enters brackish and also found in fresh waters . Benthic and benthopelagic .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 24. This species is distinguished by the following characters: pored lateral-line scales usually 9-10 and 14-16 gill rakers and rudiments on first gill arch; body scales with narrow dark margins; body uniform to mottled brownish without darker bars on sides (except at night); the second dorsal fin, anal fin and caudal fin pale are without darkish banding; pectoral fin with no whitish spot at axil; without whitish spots at base of caudal peduncle or behind posterior base of second dorsal fin; two darkish small marks near base of caudal peduncle . : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Weed cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Weed cardinalfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Are mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 134 m . Tropical Central Pacific: Endemic to Hawaii.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Weed cardinalfish is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Weed cardinalfish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Weed cardinalfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apogon brachygrammus | Jenkins | 1903 | Synonym |
| Apogonichthys brachygrammus | Jenkins | 1903 | Synonym |
| Apogonichthys zuluensis | Fowler | 1934 | Synonym |
| Fowleria brachygrammus | Jenkins | 1903 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 12 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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