Iridescent cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Occurs in clear water lagoon patch reefs and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to a depth of 45 m . Benthopelagic . Solitary . Feeds at night on small benthic and free-swimming crustaceans .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Tan to light red brown in color, dusky scale margins; a brown mid-lateral stripe from tip of snout, through eye to upper caudal base (stripe may fade on peduncle); black spot at base of caudal fin . Further characterized by relatively broad midlateral dark stripe; yellow anterior margin on dorsal fin; green to blue iridescent shades on body when viewed with light at night; juvenile with yellowish head and belly; greatest depth of body 2.5-3.3 in SL .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Iridescent cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Iridescent cardinalfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 158 m . Tropical; 32°N - 28°S south to Algoa Bay, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Iridescent 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 | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 157 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Iridescent cardinalfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Iridescent Cardinalfish · Kallopterus Cardinalfish · Saya de Malha Cardinalfish · Snyder's Cardinal · Spiny-head Cardinal · Spiny-head Cardinalfish · Spinyhead Cardinalfish |
| 🌍CES | parmovec lesklý |
| 🇫🇷French | Apogon irisé · Cardinal à Dorsale Jaune · Poisson Cardinal |
| 🇮🇹Italian | Pesce cardinale iridescente |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Kasuriishimochi · カスリイシモチ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Cardeal-de-Saya-de-Malha |
| 🌍TAH | 'upaparu |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 丽鳍棘眼天竺鲷 · 大目側仔 · 大面側仔 · 棘頭天竺鯛 · 麗鰭天竺鯛 · 麗鰭鋸天竺鯛 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 54 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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