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Apogonichthyoides melas (Bleeker, 1848) Black cardinalfish |
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photo by
Cook, D.C. |
| Family: | Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae | |||
| Max. size: | 10 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Pacific: Malaysia to Moluccas, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals. Reported from New Caledonia (Ref. 11889). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Characterized by tall, rounded dorsal fins; broad rounded tail lobes; overall dark brown coloration with pale-edged black spot at second dorsal fin base; turn pale at night with 2-3 dark bars; greatest depth of body 2.3-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Found in shallow well protected coastal bays, commonly found under jetties, hiding in dark areas (Ref. 48635); also in inshore rocky areas and among branching coral (Ref. 9710). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||