Lea's cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Lea's cardinalfish (Taeniamia leai), first described by Waite, 1916 is a small fish in the family Apogonidae (order Apogoniformes). Adults typically reach 9.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 1 to 15 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. The species active primarily at night. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Apogonidae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14. Diagnosis: Rays: dorsal VII + I,9; anal II,12-14; pectoral rays 14-15 (rarely 16). Gill rakers 5-7 + 16-19 (total 22-26). Lateral-line scales 25+2-3. Median predorsal scales 4 (rarely 3). Body depth 2.5-2.8 in SL; body width 2.05-2.8 in body depth; eye diameter 2.3-2.8 in head length; first dorsal spine 3.6 or more in length of second spine; second dorsal spine 2.9-4.4, and third dorsal spine 2.1-2.5 in head length; spine of second dorsal fin 2.25-2.8, and second anal spine 2.4-3.2 in head length; pelvic-fin length 4.4-5.0 in SL; caudal-peduncle depth 1.6-2.0in its length, and caudal-peduncle length 4.2-4.6 in SL; distance from insertion of pelvic spine to anal-fin origin 4.1-5.3 in SL. Posterior preopercular edge completely serrate or nearly so; ventral preopercular edge completely serrate; exposed posttemporal edge smooth. Scaly sheath along anal-fin base poorly developed or absent .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Lea's cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Are mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 15 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Lea's cardinalfish.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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