Fin's Fish Guide
The Flagfin cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus hoevenii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Asia: Australia, Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea and others
Description
The Flagfin cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky body with large eyes and two separate dorsal fins. The greyish body has a yellow tinge and a conspicuously flagged dorsal fin. As a nocturnal reef fish it shelters by day in crevices and under overhanging coral and hunts small zooplankton at night. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Flagfin cardinalfish?
The Flagfin cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Flagfin cardinalfish live?
The Flagfin cardinalfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea and others
How big does the Flagfin cardinalfish get?
The Flagfin cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Flagfin cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Flagfin 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.
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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 Flagfin cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Flagfin cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.