---
title: Red Sea Nymph Cardinalfish (Cercamia spio)
scientific_name: Cercamia spio
common_name: Red Sea Nymph Cardinalfish
taxon: Cardinals

published: 2024-11-08T13:17:08.511Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Red Sea Nymph Cardinalfish, Cercamia spio, Cardinals, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/red-sea-nymph-cardinalfish
---

# Red Sea Nymph Cardinalfish (*Cercamia spio*)

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


The Red Sea Nymph Cardinalfish (Cercamia spio) is a tropical, marine species associated with reef environments at a depth range of 10 to 30 meters. First described in 2018, this species exhibits a body length of approximately 3.2 cm. It is characterized by a translucent appearance with reddish spots and a blackish abdominal area. This nocturnal fish is typically found near caves.

Observational data indicate that while a solitary individual was noted near Dahab, a larger congregation was collected from a cave in Obhur, Jeddah, which suggests that Cercamia spio likely inhabits crevices in small groups. The species is endemic to the Red Sea, specifically within the coastal regions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

The name 'Cercamia' derives from the Greek words 'kerkos' (tail) and 'amia' (a kind of fish), while 'spio' is named after Spio, a mythological sea nymph from Greek mythology, known as a daughter of Nereus and Doris, and specifically associated with sea caves.

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