Fragile Cardinalfish

This species is distinguished with the following dark markings: a small black spot midposteriorly on caudal peduncle, one-half pupil diameter or more in size; a faint broad dusky band on side of snout directly before eye; some specimens with a faint dusky line at base of dorsal fins; tips of one or both caudal lobes often blackish; second dorsal-fin spine 18.9-21.7% SL; second anal-fin spine 13.0-15.9% SL; gill rakers 24-27 (rarely 27) (Ref. 58268).

Mouthbrooders. Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 9

This species is often seen in aggregations in lagoons or bays, sheltering among branching corals, sponges, etc. Collections come from the depth range of 2-17 m, but it may be seen at least as deep as 50 m (Ref. 58268).