Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackbanded soldierfish (Ostorhinchus nigrofasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The blackstripe cardinalfish is a small reef fish of the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a yellowish body with several sharply defined black longitudinal stripes. It inhabits reef flats and shallow lagoon reefs and is usually seen singly or in pairs under ledges and in crevices. It is a nocturnal species that hides by day and at night hunts small zooplankton and 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 Blackbanded soldierfish?
The Blackbanded soldierfish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Sharply defined black longitudinal stripes; nocturnal, the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Blackbanded soldierfish live?
The Blackbanded soldierfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; reef flats and shallow lagoon reefs.
How big does the Blackbanded soldierfish get?
The Blackbanded soldierfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Blackbanded soldierfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackbanded soldierfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackbanded soldierfish edible?
The Blackbanded soldierfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Blackbanded soldierfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackbanded soldierfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.