Home · Apogonidae · Barspot cardinalfish
Barspot cardinalfish (Apogon retrosella) — Apogonidae

Barspot cardinalfish

Apogon retrosella
Family: Apogonidae
LC · Least Concern

The Barspot cardinalfish (Apogon retrosella) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–60.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The barspot cardinalfish is a small reef fish of the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae) from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a reddish body with a dark bar behind the pectoral fin and a second spot on the tail base. It inhabits rocky reefs, where by day it hides in crevices and under ledges and only ventures out at night. As a nocturnal hunter it feeds on crustaceans and other small invertebrates. Like other cardinalfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barspot cardinalfish?

The Barspot cardinalfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Barspot cardinalfish live?

The Barspot cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Barspot cardinalfish get?

The Barspot cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Barspot cardinalfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Barspot cardinalfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Barspot cardinalfish edible?

The Barspot cardinalfish is not usually eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Cortez-kardinaalbaars sourced
English name
Barspot cardinalfish verified
Scientific name
Apogon retrosella
Family
Apogonidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Superior (upward) inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
60.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Apogon

More from the family Apogonidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →