Fin's Fish Guide
Barred striped cardinalfish
The Barred striped cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus fasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The broadbanded cardinalfish is a cardinalfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has a deep, silvery body with a few broad dark longitudinal bands and large eyes. As a nocturnal reef fish it shelters by day in crevices, caves and among coral and hunts small zooplankton and tiny crustaceans at night. Like other cardinalfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barred striped cardinalfish?
The Barred striped cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Broad dark longitudinal bands and large eyes; the male broods eggs in its mouth
Where does the Barred striped cardinalfish live?
The Barred striped cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Barred striped cardinalfish get?
The Barred striped cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Barred striped cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Barred striped cardinalfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Barred striped cardinalfish edible?
The Barred striped cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Barred striped cardinalfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ostorhinchus
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Barred striped cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barred striped cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.