Fin's Fish Guide
The Cryptic cardinalfish (Apogon erythrinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian ruby cardinalfish is a very small cardinalfish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll in the central Pacific. It grows to only about 4 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, ruby-red body with two dorsal fins. It is a cryptic, nocturnal bottom-dweller that stays in reef crevices and shelters by day and hunts small invertebrates near the bottom at night. Like all cardinalfish it is a mouthbrooder with paternal care: the male incubates the eggs in his mouth. The fish lives at most a few months and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cryptic cardinalfish?
The Cryptic cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Secretive, nocturnal reef dweller; the male broods the eggs in the mouth
Where does the Cryptic cardinalfish live?
The Cryptic cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Hawaii (endemic)
How big does the Cryptic cardinalfish get?
The Cryptic cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Cryptic cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cryptic 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 Cryptic cardinalfish edible?
The Cryptic 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 Apogon
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Cryptic cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cryptic cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.