Cook's cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Found close to ledges of rocky areas or coral reefs during the day . Subtidal zone to depths of about 10 m . Nocturnal species . Solitary or in small groups (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Distinguished by having the following characteristics: Dorsal-fin rays VII-I, 9; anal-fin rays II, 8; pectoral-fin rays 14; pelvic-fin rays I,5; pored lateral line scales 24; predorsal scales 3-4; circumpeduncular scales 12; total gill rakers 18-20, developed rakers 12-13 . Whitish with 5-6 stripes (dark brown to yellowish), the stripe originating at the upper rear corner of eye incomplete; midlateral stripe ending in a distinct black spot at caudal fin base . Further characterized by presence of dark spot at middle of caudal fin base merged with midlateral stripe; greatest depth of body 2.5-2.8 in SL .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Cook's cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 10 m . Tropical south to Natal and east to the western Pacific where it ranges from Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amia robusta | Smith & Radcliffe | 1911 | Synonym |
| Apogon cookie | Macleay | 1881 | Synonym |
| Apogon cookii | Macleay | 1881 | Synonym |
| Apogon melanotaenia | Regan | 1905 | Synonym |
| Apogon robustus | Smith & Radcliffe | 1911 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Cook's cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Cook's cardinalfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.