The Camouflage Cardinalfish, Apogonichthys perdix, reaches a maximum length of 6 cm (2.4 in). Its body is olive brown, marked with irregular dark spots and streaks, and its fins are speckled. A distinctive dark line extends from the eye to the origin of the lateral line, complemented by a stripe from the eye to the angle of the preopercle. A small, distinctive white spot is centrally located at the base of the caudal fin. This species possesses 8 dorsal spines, 9 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 8 anal soft rays. Its specific name, perdix, is Latin for partridge, referring to its camouflaged, mottled appearance.
It inhabits shallow inshore waters, typically found among rubble on reef flats and in areas of degraded reefs, at depths ranging from 1 to 65 meters (3-213 ft), most commonly between 1 and 4 meters (3-13 ft). This secretive species is nocturnal, remaining hidden during the day, and exhibits both benthic (bottom-dwelling) and benthopelagic (near-bottom water column) behavior. It preys on small benthic invertebrates. The species forms stable, obligate monogamous pairs, with males orally incubating the eggs.
- olive brown with irregular dark spots and streaks
- speckled fins
- dark line from eye to lateral line origin
- dark stripe from eye to preopercle angle
Why it's threatened
There are no known major threats.
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
