Fin's Fish Guide
The Cardinal fish (Ostorhinchus hartzfeldii) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Indo-West Pacific, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
Description
Hartzfeld's cardinalfish is a small reef fish of the family Apogonidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 12 cm, has a yellowish body with fine dark lateral stripes and two separate dorsal fins. It is benthic and nocturnal and by day shelters in small groups among debris and corals of sheltered reef flats and shallow lagoons; sometimes it hides among the spines of long-spined sea urchins. At night the fish hunts zooplankton and small invertebrates. Like other cardinalfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cardinal fish?
The Cardinal fish has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Shelters during the day among long-spined sea urchins; the male is a mouthbrooder.
Where does the Cardinal fish live?
The Cardinal fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific.
How big does the Cardinal fish get?
The Cardinal fish grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Cardinal fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cardinal fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cardinal fish edible?
The Cardinal fish is rarely eaten.
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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 Cardinal fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cardinal fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.