---
title: Lachner’s Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus lachneri)
scientific_name: Cheilodipterus lachneri
common_name: Lachner’s Cardinalfish
taxon: Cardinals

published: 2024-11-08T13:45:49.156Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Lachner’s Cardinalfish, Cheilodipterus lachneri, Cardinals, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/lachners-cardinalfish
---

# Lachner’s Cardinalfish (*Cheilodipterus lachneri*)

**Taxon:** Cardinals (*Apogonidae*)  


Lachner’s Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Cheilodipterus lachneri, is a reef-associated marine species predominantly found in tropical regions of the Western Indian Ocean, specifically limited to the Red Sea and infrequently observed in the southern region of the Gulf of Aqaba. This species exhibits a maximum length of approximately 12 cm, with sexual maturity typically reached at lengths ranging from 6.5 to 7 cm.

The morphological characteristics of Cheilodipterus lachneri in its natural habitat present as a brownish-gray body adorned with nine to thirteen dark brown stripes varying in width and intensity. A distinguishing feature is the dark brown spot situated at the center of the caudal peduncle, which is notably larger than the pupil and encircled with a yellow hue. In larger specimens, this spot may extend to form a bar encircling the peduncle. The region between this pivotal caudal mark and the terminus of the body stripes is distinctly snow-white. Additionally, the distal part of the first dorsal fin exhibits a blackish coloration, while the uppermost and lowermost caudal rays appear dusky, albeit not as intense as the body stripes. The remaining fins possess a pale color with a subtle reddish hue, and the snout may display a yellow tinge, which in some larger adults might be non-existent.

Cheilodipterus lachneri is identified as a mouthbrooder, with distinctive pairing behavior observed during courtship and spawning activities.

---

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