Cardinalfish

Body is coppery or silvery with a dark saddle on the upper half of the caudal peduncle; wedge shaped bar below eye (Ref. 2334, 48635). Greatest depth of body 2.2-2.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).

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

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

Nocturnal species (Ref. 75154) which inhabits coral reefs in lagoons and floodplains (Ref. 9137). Feeds on planktonic and benthic organisms (Ref. 26990). Exhibits the black gut phenomenon. In nocturnal predators, it appears to serve to conceal bioluminiscent prey in the stomach cavity (Ref. 46685).

Found in protected coastal and seaward reef slopes in oceanic locations, to 15 m depth; secretive and rarely seen during daytime (Ref. 48635). Feeds on ostracods, amphipods, shrimps, and polychaetes (Ref. 37816).