Fin's Fish Guide
The Elliot's cardinal fish (Ostorhinchus aureus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The ringtail cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a coppery to bronze body with a conspicuous dark band around the tail base, to which the name refers. It shelters by day in holes and under ledges of shallow reefs and disperses at night to forage. In summer and autumn it forms mixed schools with related cardinalfishes. Like all cardinalfishes the male is a mouthbrooder that incubates the eggs in its mouth. It eats zooplankton and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Elliot's cardinal fish?
The Elliot's cardinal fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark band around the caudal peduncle; nocturnal; the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Elliot's cardinal fish live?
The Elliot's cardinal fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; holes and ledges of shallow reefs.
How big does the Elliot's cardinal fish get?
The Elliot's cardinal fish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Elliot's cardinal fish dangerous to humans?
No, the Elliot's cardinal fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Elliot's cardinal fish edible?
The Elliot's cardinal fish is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Elliot's cardinal fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elliot's cardinal fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Elliot's cardinal fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elliot's cardinal fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.