Samoan cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Found in protected coastal and seaward reef slopes in oceanic locations, to 15 m depth; secretive and rarely seen during daytime . Feeds on ostracods, amphipods, shrimps, and polychaetes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Body is coppery or silvery with a dark saddle on the upper half of the caudal peduncle; wedge shaped bar below eye . Greatest depth of body 2.2-2.5 in SL .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Samoan cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 25 m . Tropical south to Inhaca Island (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
ostracods, amphipods, shrimps, and polychaetes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Samoan cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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