Neamia octospina Smith & Radcliffe, 1912
Eightspine cardinalfish
Neamia octospina
photo by Khalaf, M.A.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 5 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa east to Fiji; north to Japan and south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body uniformly pinkish-yellow; dark radial cheek bars present around the lower part of the eyes. The last (8th) spine of the 1st dorsal fin joined to the second dorsal fin by a membrane. Caudal fin rounded. Further characterized by having small reddish spots on the body and fins (Ref. 93839).
Biology:  Occurs inshore, near reefs (Ref. 7300). Secretive among boulders or under debris (Ref. 48635). Nocturnal species. Solitary (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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