Swallowtail cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Forms large shoals among rocks or above corals of lagoon patch reefs . Often schools with R. gracilis . Spreads out at night, floating mid-water to catch plankton .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. This species is characterized by the following: D VI-I; 9, A II, 9; an intermittent black stripe from the snout to the middle of the opercle; no black blotch on the caudal-fin base ; semi-transparent body with yellowish sheen on head and belly; side of snout with black spot or short stripe; each caudal fin lobe with blackish submarginal band; greatest depth of body 3.8-4.3 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Swallowtail cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Swallowtail cardinalfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 15 m . Tropical; 30°N - 12°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhabdamia cypselura | Weber | 1909 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet — be the first to log one!
View all observations for Swallowtail cardinalfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.