Ostorhinchus franssedai (Allen, Kuiter & Randall, 1994)
Frans' cardinalfish
Ostorhinchus franssedai
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 13 - 40 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago; Philippines, and Palau to Maumere, Flores, Tulamben, Bali (Indonesia) (Ref. 11893) and Australia (Ref. 48635).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished by having D VII-I,9; A II,8; pectoral rays 14; lateral line scales 24; predorsal scales 5; gill rakers 3-4+14-16, excluding 2-3 rudiments on upper limb; preopercular margin serrate; preopercular ridge very weakly serrate around angle; body depth 3.1-3.7 in SL; mainly semi-transparent in life with 2 narrow dark (coppery, Ref. 37816) stripes on upper half of body and relatively large, black spot at the base of the caudal fin (Ref. 11893).
Biology:  Inhabits steep drop-offs; usually seen in caves or under ledges during the day in 13-40 m depth (Ref. 11893). Forms groups in crevices (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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