---
title: Blackbelly Cardinalfish (Rhabdamia nigrimentum)
scientific_name: Rhabdamia nigrimentum
common_name: Blackbelly Cardinalfish
taxon: Cardinals
published: 2024-11-08T21:15:00.151Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:07:46.255Z
tags: Blackbelly Cardinalfish, Rhabdamia nigrimentum, Cardinals, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/blackbelly-cardinalfish
---

# Blackbelly Cardinalfish (*Rhabdamia nigrimentum*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Cardinals (*Apogonidae*)
- **Size:** 5.5 cm
- **Depth:** 6-12 m

The Blackbelly Cardinalfish (Rhabdamia nigrimentum) is a tropical marine species typically associated with reef environments, inhabiting depths ranging from 6 to 12 meters. The species reaches a maximum length of 5.5 cm.

Notably, Rhabdamia nigrimentum exhibits distinct pairing behavior during courtship and spawning events.

This species is distributed in the Western Indian Ocean, particularly within the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The genus name, Rhabdamia, derives from the Greek words "rhabdos," meaning stick, and "amia," referring to a type of shark.

## Also known as

- **Czech:** parmovec pestrý

## Scientific synonyms

- *Bentuviaichthys nigrimentum* Smith, 1961

## Range

Eritrea, Red Sea

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/blackbelly-cardinalfish)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*