Crosseyed Cardinalfish

The Crosseyed Cardinalfish (Fowleria aurita) is a tropical marine species commonly associated with reef environments, inhabiting depths ranging from 1 to 37 meters. It can attain a maximum length of 9 centimeters.

This species is typically found inshore within reef areas, often among aquatic vegetation in tide pools. It is primarily nocturnal and exhibits distinct pairing behaviors during courtship and spawning periods.

The anatomical structure of the Crosseyed Cardinalfish includes eight dorsal spines and nine dorsal soft rays, accompanied by two anal spines and eight anal soft rays.

Geographically, the species is distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, including the 🌊 Red Sea, extending southward to Natal, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and eastward to 🇼🇸 Samoa and Mangaréva. Its range also reaches north to the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan) and south to northern 🇦🇺 Australia and Lord Howe Island.