Camouflage Cardinalfish

The Camouflage Cardinalfish (Apogonichthys perdix) is a marine species found in tropical reef environments, with a depth distribution ranging from 1 to 65 meters, most commonly between 1 to 4 meters. This species reaches a maximum length of 6 cm and exhibits obligate monogamy, forming stable pairs regardless of resource availability. Adults are typically located in shallow inshore waters, often residing among rubble on reef flats and areas of degraded reefs. Displaying secretive and nocturnal behavior, this species is both benthic and benthopelagic.

The reproductive strategy involves oral incubation of eggs. Morphologically, the Camouflage Cardinalfish possesses a total of 8 dorsal spines and 9 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 8 anal soft rays. Its coloration is generally olive brown adorned with irregular dark spots and streaks, along with speckled fins. It often features a distinctive dark line extending from the eye to the origin of the lateral line and a stripe from the eye to the angle of the preopercle. The species is noted for having 5 to 7 developed gill rakers and a small distinctive white spot centrally located at the base of the caudal fin.

Geographically, the Camouflage Cardinalfish inhabits the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the 🌊 Red Sea down to Inhambane, stretching eastward to the Hawaiian Islands and Rapa, and extending northward to southern 🇯🇵 Japan, including areas throughout 🇫🇲 Micronesia.