Mimic Cardinalfish

Body with midlateral black stripe, as wide as the pupil, tapers to a point on base of middle caudal-fin rays; body and head below it generally yellow; on snout and behind pectoral fin, midlateral stripe is bordered by a narrow yellowish white zone; above mid-lateral stripe body and head white, but top of head with a yellow tinge; dorsal stripe dark gray, separated from dorsal fins by a narrow white zone; a median dark gray stripe may be present from interorbital area to first dorsal-fin origin; fins pale. Developed gill rakers on hypobranchial 0-1; on ceratobranchial 8 (Ref. 8525).Description: Greatest depth of body 3.8-4.3 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

Inhabits protected habitats, where conditions are similar to those of lagoons. Also found on coastal reefs (Ref. 9710). Usually seen solitary, occasionally in pairs. Mimics the sabre-toothed blenny Meiacanthus vittatus. Active during day (Ref 90102).