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Multi-spotted cardinal-fish (Fowleria variegata) — Apogonidae

Multi-spotted cardinal-fish

Fowleria variegata
Family: Apogonidae
LC · Least Concern

The Multi-spotted cardinal-fish (Fowleria variegata) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–27.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific; coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The variegated cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is small and has a stocky, mottled body with large eyes and an eyespot on the gill cover. It inhabits coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays and shallow lagoons and often keeps hidden among dead coral. 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 Multi-spotted cardinal-fish?

The Multi-spotted cardinal-fish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Marbled body with an eyespot on the operculum; nocturnal, the male is a mouthbrooder.

Where does the Multi-spotted cardinal-fish live?

The Multi-spotted cardinal-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays.

How big does the Multi-spotted cardinal-fish get?

The Multi-spotted cardinal-fish grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Multi-spotted cardinal-fish dangerous to humans?

No, the Multi-spotted cardinal-fish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Multi-spotted cardinal-fish edible?

The Multi-spotted cardinal-fish is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Multi-spotted cardinal-fish verified
Scientific name
Fowleria variegata
Family
Apogonidae
Other names
Peppered cardinalfish; Spotted cardinalfish; Variegated cardinalfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
27.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; coral reefs and seagrass beds of inner bays. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Marbled body with an eyespot on the operculum; nocturnal, the male is a mouthbrooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

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