Found on sheltered reef slopes, the habitat consists of predominately Seriotopora hystrix coral colonies and small Acropora coral heads with close-set branches, providing shelter for groups of about 10-30 fish .
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 24. This species belonging to the S. tubulata group (with dark-dotted light organ) is distinguished by the following characters: D1 VII,9; pectoral-fin rays usually 12; tubed lateral-line scales 1-4 (usually 1-2); developed gill rakers of first gill arch 1 + 8-9; small serrae around angle of preopercle edge 8-15; light organ barely extending onto caudal peduncle, the extent 5.2–23.1 in caudal peduncle length. Colour in life generally translucent pale pinkish to reddish orange with a dense covering of variable-sized orange spots on head and anterior two-thirds of body; a prominent 'cat’s eye' black bar through eye, covering more than pupil at center, and flanked by white crescents covering remaining iris.: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
Behavioural data for Cat's eye cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 8 - 20 m . Tropical
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