Orbiculate cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Restricted to coastal waters, forming small aggregations among mangroves, rocks, debris, or piers of shallow sheltered shorelines. Feeds at night (early evening and just before day break), primarily on planktonic crustaceans. Courtship and spawning occur fortnightly (shortly before new moons and full moons). Eggs are incubated by the male for about 8 days. Larval phase pelagic. Sexual maturity is attained at 7 cm by males and at 6 cm by females .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9. Greenish grey, with dark vertical bar from origin of spiny dorsal to just in front of anus; scattered spots on body, head and 1st dorsal membrane; pelvic fins dark . : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Orbiculate cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Courtship and spawning occur on a semi-lunar cycle, shortly before full and new moons . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning . Are mouthbrooders . Males incubate up to 12,000 eggs for a period of about 8 days . After the pelagic larval phase, juveniles settle and grow at a rate of 3 to 6 mm per month .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 5 m . Tropical; 31°N - 27°S, 32°E - 173°W East Africa to Kiribati, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia; Belau to eastern Caroline and Mariana Islands in Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apogon nigromaculatus | Hombron & Jacquinot | 1853 | Synonym |
| Apogon orbicularis | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
| Siphamia orbicularis | Cuvier | 1828 | Synonym |
| Sphaeramia nigromaculatus | Hombron & Jacquinot | 1853 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Orbiculate cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 28 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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