Fin's Fish Guide
The Cardinalfish (Nectamia savayensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The Samoan cardinalfish is a small reef fish of the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and inhabits protected coastal and seaward reef slopes to about 15 metres. It is shy and hides by day in crevices and under ledges; at night it emerges to hunt ostracods, amphipods, shrimps and polychaetes. Like other cardinalfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth (mouthbrooding). The Samoan cardinalfish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cardinalfish?
The Cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Nocturnal reef fish; the male broods the eggs in its mouth (mouthbrooding).
Where does the Cardinalfish live?
The Cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; sheltered coastal and seaward reef slopes.
How big does the Cardinalfish get?
The Cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cardinalfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cardinalfish edible?
The Cardinalfish 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 Nectamia
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.