Fin's Fish Guide
The Sawcheek cardinalfish (Apogon quadrisquamatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 7 cm.
Description
The sawcheek cardinalfish is a cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. The species is small and has a reddish, translucent body with large eyes, adapted to a nocturnal life. It lives on coral, sand or gravel bottoms and sometimes shelters near sea anemones or inside tubular sponges, presumably as protection from predators. By day it shelters; at night it hunts zooplankton and small invertebrates. Like all cardinalfishes the male is a mouthbrooder. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sawcheek cardinalfish?
The Sawcheek cardinalfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Shelters by sea anemones or in tube-shaped sponges; nocturnal mouthbrooder.
Where does the Sawcheek cardinalfish live?
The Sawcheek cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral and sandy bottoms.
How big does the Sawcheek cardinalfish get?
The Sawcheek cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.
Is the Sawcheek cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Sawcheek cardinalfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sawcheek cardinalfish edible?
The Sawcheek cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Sawcheek cardinalfish?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Apogon
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Sawcheek cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sawcheek cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.