---
title: Narrowstripe Cardinalfish (Pristiapogon exostigma)
scientific_name: Pristiapogon exostigma
common_name: Narrowstripe Cardinalfish
taxon: Cardinals
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-08T21:11:05.417Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Narrowstripe Cardinalfish, Pristiapogon exostigma, Cardinals, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/narrowstripe-cardinalfish
---

# Narrowstripe Cardinalfish (*Pristiapogon exostigma*)

**Taxon:** Cardinals (*Apogonidae*)  
**Conservation Status:** LC - Least Concern  


The Pristiapogon exostigma, commonly referred to as the Eyeshadow or Oneline Cardinalfish, is a small ray-finned fish belonging to the family Apogonidae, known as the cardinalfishes. This species can grow up to a maximum length of 11 cm and is characterized by a distinct light-ended black stripe, which culminates in a black spot above the center of the stripe. It inhabits a depth range of 3 to 120 meters, though it is typically found between 3 and 20 meters.

The distribution of Pristiapogon exostigma spans the Indo-Pacific region, extending from the Red Sea to the Line Islands and Mangareva Islands, reaching southward to northern Australia and northward to the Ryukyu Islands.

During daylight hours, this species seeks refuge under rock ledges and is commonly located among isolated coral heads within silty environments protected by reefs. The Eyeshadow Cardinalfish is a solitary, relatively rare, and nocturnal species that preys on fish and invertebrates. Notably, it employs a mouthbrooding reproductive strategy and forms mating pairs during courting.

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/narrowstripe-cardinalfish)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*