---
title: Weedy Cardinalfish (Foa fo)
scientific_name: Foa fo
common_name: Weedy Cardinalfish
taxon: Cardinals
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-08T15:54:25.509Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Weedy Cardinalfish, Foa fo, Cardinals, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/cardinals/weedy-cardinalfish
---

# Weedy Cardinalfish (*Foa fo*)

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


Foa fo, a species within the genus Foa, is commonly referred to as the Samoan Cardinalfish, Weedy Cardinalfish, or Samoan Fo. This tropical marine species is associated with coral reef habitats and is typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 82 meters, with a usual range of 1 to 15 meters (Ref. 90102). The species attains a maximum length of 3.5 centimeters.

Foa fo is a nocturnal fish that predominantly inhabits inshore environments. It is known to frequent estuaries and tranquil coastal bays, favoring mud or silty substrates with algae-covered rock outcrops or isolated soft corals. Individuals may be found solitary or in small groups.

A notable reproductive behavior of this species is mouthbrooding, wherein there is distinct pairing during courtship and spawning phases.

Geographically, Foa fo is distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa and the Red Sea to French Polynesia, extending northward to Japan and southward to Australia.

---

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