Mozambique cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Occurs in loose aggregations between branching corals or coralline rocks , and seaweed in protected waters to a depth of 15 meters . Relatively common .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 15. Diagnosis: Rays: dorsal VI + I,9; anal II,13-15; pectoral rays 14 (rarely 15). Gill rakers 5-6 + 16-18. Lateral-line scales 25+3-4. Median predorsal scales 5-6. Body depth 2.5-2.7 in SL; body width 2.2-2.6 in body depth; eye diameter 2.8-3.2 in head length; first dorsal spine 2.5-3.25 in second spine; second dorsal spine 2.05-2.8, and third dorsal spine 2.1-2.9 in head length; spine of second dorsal fin 2.2-2.5, and second anal spine 2.4-3.1 in head length; pelvic-fin length 4.6-5.1 and caudal-peduncle length 4.1-5.1 in SL; distance from insertion of pelvic spine to anal-fin origin 3.9-5.8 in SL. Posterior preopercular edge serrate on lower half; ventral edge serrate on posterior half. Scaly sheath along anal-fin base well developed .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mozambique cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Are mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: eastern coast of Africa and its associated islands, from Kenya to KwaZulu-Natal (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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