Siphamia arnazae Allen & Erdmann, 2019
Cat's eye cardinalfish
photo by Erdmann, M.V.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  2.14 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species belonging to the S. tubulata group (with dark-dotted light organ) is distinguished by the following characters: D1 VII,9; pectoral-fin rays usually 12; tubed lateral-line scales 1-4 (usually 1-2); developed gill rakers of first gill arch 1 + 8-9; small serrae around angle of preopercle edge 8-15; light organ barely extending onto caudal peduncle, the extent 5.2–23.1 in caudal peduncle length. Colour in life generally translucent pale pinkish to reddish orange with a dense covering of variable-sized orange spots on head and anterior two-thirds of body; a prominent 'cat’s eye' black bar through eye, covering more than pupil at center, and flanked by white crescents covering remaining iris (Ref. .120588).
Biology:  Found on sheltered reef slopes, the habitat consists of predominately Seriotopora hystrix coral colonies and small Acropora coral heads with close-set branches, providing shelter for groups of about 10-30 fish (Ref. 120588).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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