Blackbelly cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Blackbelly cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus atrogaster), first described by Smith & Radcliffe, 1912 is a small fish in the family Apogonidae (order Apogoniformes). Adults typically reach 5.90 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 Data Deficient.The species is valued as a game and sport species and kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Apogonidae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 24. Redescription of the holotype: dorsal fin, 2 supernumerary spines on first pterygiophore, first spine missing; anal fin with 1 supernumerary spine on first pterygiophore, second spine in serial association with first pterygiophore, the following ray is branched; principal caudal rays 9+8, branched caudal rays 8+7; upper gill arch with 3 rudiments and 5 developed gill rakers, lower gill arch without rudiments and 19 developed gill rakers; villiform teeth in several rows on the premaxilla; 1 row on the dentary, 1 on the palatine and vomer; none on ectopterygoid, endopterygoid or basihyal; scales none; hypurals 3 and 4 partially fused, hypurals 1, 2 and 5 free; one pair of slender uroneurals; 3 epurals; a free parhypural; 3 supraneurals as 0/0/0/ in association with anterior neural spines, none procumbent; no supramaxilla; posttemporal serrate on posterior margin; preopercle ridge smooth, edges serrate on posterior vertical and ventral horizontal margins; infraorbital edge smooth.; no color remains on the body. Species authors described the color pattern as: ground color cream-buff; traces of a slightly decurved, silvery-white band from scapula to base of caudal; tip of chin and snout to middle of eye dusky black; dusky points on head; iris silvery; tip of spinous dorsal, blackish; caudal dusky distally; other fins hyaline; peritoneum silvery white; stomach jet black .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackbelly cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range ? - 82 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Blackbelly cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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