Ostorhinchus apogonoides (Bleeker, 1856)
Short-tooth cardinal
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 60 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea (Ref. 84159), East Africa to the Philippines (Ref. 559), north to Miyakejima, Japan (Ref. 559) and Taiwan (Ref. 9147), south to northern Australia (Ref. 2334) and Society Islands (Ref. 76833).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Reddish dorsally, yellowish ventrally. Body depth lower than A. aureus and no wide black band on caudal peduncle (Ref. 559). Juveniles pale with short blue lines on snout (Ref. 48635). Adults to deep golden with blue spots in three rows on mid-lateral surface of body (Ref. 93839).
Biology:  Inhabits rocky cliffs. Also in sheltered coastal to outer reefs from shallow flats to over 50 m depth. Usually in pairs, small aggregations, or occasionally schooling (Ref. 48635). Occurrence is rather rare (Ref. 559). Feeds on zooplankons and invertebrates (Ref. 89972). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 9710.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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