Fin's Fish Guide
The Nine-banded cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus novemfasciatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
The sevenstriped cardinalfish is a small reef fish of the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a red-brown body with several dark longitudinal stripes and large eyes. It is common on reef flats and in shallow lagoons to about 4 metres, where by day it shelters among coral and stones. As a nocturnal hunter it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Like other cardinalfishes the male broods the eggs in its mouth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nine-banded cardinalfish?
The Nine-banded cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Red-brown with dark longitudinal stripes; nocturnal, the male broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Nine-banded cardinalfish live?
The Nine-banded cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; reef flats and shallow lagoons to about 4 m.
How big does the Nine-banded cardinalfish get?
The Nine-banded cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Nine-banded cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Nine-banded cardinalfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Nine-banded cardinalfish edible?
The Nine-banded cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
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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 Nine-banded cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nine-banded cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.