---
title: Ringtail Cardinalfish (Nectamia annularis)
scientific_name: Nectamia annularis
common_name: Ringtail Cardinalfish
taxon: Cardinals
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-08T19:46:06.340Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Ringtail Cardinalfish, Nectamia annularis, Cardinals, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/ringtail-cardinalfish
---

# Ringtail Cardinalfish (*Nectamia annularis*)

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


Nectamia annularis, commonly referred to as the tailring cardinalfish, is a marine species within the Apogonidae family, also known as cardinalfishes.

This species is characterized by its relatively small size, reaching a maximum length of approximately 7 cm. The tailring cardinalfish displays an elongated, laterally compressed body with a rounded profile. Notable features include two translucent dorsal fins, a single lateral line, a prominent mouth, and large, rounded eyes. The body exhibits a silvery-grey coloration, accentuated by a distinctive black ring encircling the caudal peduncle.

Habitat distribution for Nectamia annularis includes the tropical waters of the western Indian Ocean, encompassing regions such as the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Maldives. These fish are typically located in shallow marine environments near coral reefs, at depths reaching up to 17 meters (56 feet).

Primarily zooplanktivorous, the tailring cardinalfish feeds predominantly on zooplankton.

Exhibiting nocturnal behavior, this species may feed either solitarily or in small aggregations within shallow waters above coral reefs. During daylight hours, Nectamia annularis commonly seeks refuge within the crevices and caves of coral reefs.

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