Ostorhinchus taeniophorus (Regan, 1908)
Reef-flat cardinalfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  11.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 15 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and Sodwana Bay, South Africa (Ref. 4329) to the Line and Pitcairn islands, north to southern Japan, south to New South Wales (Australia) and Rapa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Characterized by having dorsal fin rays VII-I, 9; anal fin rays II,8; pectoral fin rays 14; pelvic fin rays I, 5; pored lateral line scales 24; predorsal scales 3-4; circumpeduncular scales 12 (Ref. 93839); Whitish with 5-6 black stripes (Ref. 2334). Secondary dark line extends backwards as far as the first dorsal fin, in large specimens (Ref. 37816). Absence of dark spot on caudal fin base; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.0 in SL (Ref.90102).
Biology:  Occurs inshore (Ref. 7300). Found in holes or ledges of outer reef flats in areas exposed to surge (Ref. 1602), to depths of about 10 m (Ref. 48635). Nocturnal (Ref. 7300).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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