Banggai cardinal fish
📖 Overview
Common around the jetty, in silty sand bottoms with seagrass (Enhalus acoroides). Associated with Diadema setosum, the long-spined sea urchins. Individuals of 2 to 60 hover directly above the urchins, with the younger ones about 2-3 cm SL staying closer to the urchins. The fish retreat among the spines when threatened. Probably feed on small benthic and planktonic crustaceans at night. Male incubates the eggs until hatching; the large egg about 2.5 mm in diameter, with the young remaining within the mouth cavity for undetermined period after hatching . Newly hatched larvae have no planktonic period . Juveniles also use anemones for protection . Has been reared in captivity .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13. : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Banggai cardinal fish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Banggai cardinal fish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
The male takes the eggs into its mouth where these and the larvae remain until young fish of about 8mm SL are released. Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning . Also Ref. 240.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 16 m , usually 1 - 2 m . Tropical; 1°S - 2°S, 123°E - 124°E found in several small islands off nearby eastern Taliabu Island and Luwuk vicinity (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small benthic and planktonic crustaceans at night
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
👥 Community & Contribute
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