Fragile cardinalfish
📖 Overview
Occurs in sheltered lagoons and bays, above branching corals and among reef crevices. Forms large schools, often with other species . Nocturnal .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10. Semi-transparent to whitish, silvery on sides; blue spots may be present on operculum and behind pectoral fins; black spot at base of caudal fin .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Fragile cardinalfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Fragile cardinalfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Mouthbrooders . Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 15 m . Tropical; 25°N - 27°S, 32°E - 168°W West Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, north to the Yaeyamas, south to the Great Barrier Reef.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Fragile cardinalfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.5 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 123 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Fragile cardinalfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | fragile cardinalfish |
| 🌍CES | parmovec křehký |
| 🌍FIJ | tina |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Cardeal-de-acropora |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apogon fragilis | Smith | 1961 | 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View all observations for Fragile cardinalfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data?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.