The Eightspine Cardinalfish (Neamia octospina) is a tropical marine species commonly associated with reef environments, typically found at depths ranging from 3 to 5 meters. It can grow to a maximum length of approximately 7 centimeters.
Characterized by a uniformly pinkish-yellow body, the Eightspine Cardinalfish features distinctive dark radial bars around the lower part of its eyes. Notably, the eighth spine of its first dorsal fin is connected to the second dorsal fin by a membrane. Its caudal fin is rounded, and the species exhibits small reddish spots on the body and fins.
This species is typically found inshore, in proximity to reefs, often exhibiting secretive behavior among boulders or beneath debris. Primarily nocturnal and solitary, the Eightspine Cardinalfish engages in distinct pairing behaviors during courtship and spawning periods.
Its geographical distribution extends across the Indo-West Pacific region, including the 🌊 Red Sea, East Africa, eastward to 🇫🇯 Fiji, and from northern 🇯🇵 Japan to southern 🇦🇺 Australia.
Why it's threatened
There are no known major threats driving a global level decline. However, individuals have been reported to disappear after the death of the octocoral Cladiella digitulata in Japan (Yoshida et al. 2010).
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
