Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotcheek cardinalfish (Fowleria punctulata) is a brackish-water fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), Fiji, Tuamotu Is., French Polynesia, Guam and others
Description
The Spotcheek cardinalfish is a small cardinalfish (Apogonidae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky, often brown-mottled or semi-translucent body with large eyes and two dorsal fins. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day in crevices, holes and among coral and hunts small zooplankton and small crustaceans by night. The male broods the eggs in his mouth. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotcheek cardinalfish?
The Spotcheek cardinalfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Spotcheek cardinalfish live?
The Spotcheek cardinalfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), Fiji, Tuamotu Is., French Polynesia, Guam and others
How big does the Spotcheek cardinalfish get?
The Spotcheek cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Spotcheek cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotcheek 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.
Want the complete picture on the Spotcheek cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotcheek cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Fowleria
More from the family Apogonidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotcheek cardinalfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotcheek cardinalfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.