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🌊 Marine 🌡️ Subtropical

Coachwhip cardinal

Ostorhinchus flagelliferus Smith, 1961
Max Length
13 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Coachwhip cardinal (Ostorhinchus flagelliferus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Apogonidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 13 cm. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator.

Scientific Name
Ostorhinchus flagelliferus
Authority
Smith, 1961
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Subtropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Max Length
13 cm
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
18.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Pinkish red in color, becoming stronger on head and anterior spines of dorsal, anal and pelvic fins; red spots along lateral line; edge of scales darker red; alternating red and silvery reflecting vertical bars may be found under lateral line; caudal spot small; dark stripe from tip of snout to eye .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Coachwhip cardinal is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

👄 Mouth Brooder

Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated. Subtropical South Africa.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.6±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.01122 × L3.07 (TL)
Max TL
13cm
Dorsal Spines
8
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
2
Anal Rays
8

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
18.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Smith, 1961

👥 Community & Contribute

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