Fin's Fish Guide
The Smith's cardinalfish (Jaydia smithi) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Marshall Is. and others
Description
Smith's cardinalfish is a small cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky, silvery to red-brown body with dark crossbars and large eyes. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters by day near reefs and on sand and mud bottoms and hunts small zooplankton and crustaceans at night. The male broods the eggs in its mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smith's cardinalfish?
The Smith's cardinalfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.
Where does the Smith's cardinalfish live?
The Smith's cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Marshall Is. and others
How big does the Smith's cardinalfish get?
The Smith's cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Smith's cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Smith's 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.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Smith's cardinalfish and live in the same waters.
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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 Smith's cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smith's cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.