Reef-flat cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Occurs inshore . Found in holes or ledges of outer reef flats in areas exposed to surge , to depths of about 10 m . Nocturnal .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Characterized by having 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 ; Whitish with 5-6 black stripes . Secondary dark line extends backwards as far as the first dorsal fin, in large specimens . Absence of dark spot on caudal fin base; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.0 in SL.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Reef-flat cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Reef-flat cardinalfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 15 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Reef-flat 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
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 119 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Reef-flat cardinalfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Ninestripe Cardinal · Pearly-line Cardinalfish · Pearly-lined Cardinalfish · reef-flat cardinalfish |
| 🌍CES | parmovec pásovaný |
| 🇫🇷French | Apogon de platier |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Misujitenjikudai · ミスジテンジクダイ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Cardeal-linhas-de-pérola |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 九帶天竺鯛 · 大目側仔 · 大面側仔 · 褐帶天竺鯛 · 褐帶鸚天竺鯛 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amia fasciata stevensi | McCulloch | 1915 | Synonym |
| Apogon saipanensis | Fowler | 1945 | Synonym |
| Apogon taeniophorus | Regan | 1908 | Synonym |
| Lovamia saipanensis | Fowler | 1945 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Reef-flat 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.