Fin's Fish Guide
The Elliot's cardinalfish (Jaydia ellioti) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Description
Elliot's cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is small and has a stocky, silvery to pink body with large eyes. On the chest and abdomen it bears light-producing organs that use luciferin obtained from its Cypridina prey to glow. It lives on sandy to muddy bottoms of coastal waters. Nocturnally it hunts small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Elliot's cardinalfish?
The Elliot's cardinalfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Luminous pectoral and ventral organs based on luciferin from Cypridina prey (no luminous bacteria); nocturnal, the male is a mouthbrooder.
Where does the Elliot's cardinalfish live?
The Elliot's cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; sandy to muddy coastal bottoms.
How big does the Elliot's cardinalfish get?
The Elliot's cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Elliot's cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Elliot's cardinalfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Elliot's cardinalfish edible?
The Elliot's cardinalfish is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Elliot's cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elliot's cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Jaydia
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Elliot's cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Elliot's cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.