Fin's Fish Guide
The Dotted cardinalfish (Fowleria isostigma) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Indo-Pacific; muddy bottoms and rocky and coral areas of coastal waters.
Description
The Fowleria cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species is small and has a stocky, red-brown body with large eyes and an eyespot on the gill cover, adapted to a nocturnal life. It inhabits muddy bottoms and areas near rocks and coral in coastal waters. By day it shelters among structure; at night it hunts zooplankton and small invertebrates. Like all cardinalfishes the male is a mouthbrooder that incubates the eggs in its mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dotted cardinalfish?
The Dotted cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Eyespot on the operculum; nocturnal mouthbrooder of muddy coastal waters.
Where does the Dotted cardinalfish live?
The Dotted cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; muddy bottoms and rocky and coral areas of coastal waters.
How big does the Dotted cardinalfish get?
The Dotted cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Dotted cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Dotted cardinalfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dotted cardinalfish edible?
The Dotted cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Dotted cardinalfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fowleria
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Dotted cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dotted cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.