Lachner’s Cardinalfish

Lachner’s Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Cheilodipterus lachneri, is a reef-associated marine species predominantly found in tropical regions of the 🌊 Western Indian Ocean, specifically limited to the 🌊 Red Sea and infrequently observed in the southern region of the Gulf of Aqaba. This species exhibits a maximum length of approximately 12 cm, with sexual maturity typically reached at lengths ranging from 6.5 to 7 cm.

The morphological characteristics of Cheilodipterus lachneri in its natural habitat present as a brownish-gray body adorned with nine to thirteen dark brown stripes varying in width and intensity. A distinguishing feature is the dark brown spot situated at the center of the caudal peduncle, which is notably larger than the pupil and encircled with a yellow hue. In larger specimens, this spot may extend to form a bar encircling the peduncle. The region between this pivotal caudal mark and the terminus of the body stripes is distinctly snow-white. Additionally, the distal part of the first dorsal fin exhibits a blackish coloration, while the uppermost and lowermost caudal rays appear dusky, albeit not as intense as the body stripes. The remaining fins possess a pale color with a subtle reddish hue, and the snout may display a yellow tinge, which in some larger adults might be non-existent.

Cheilodipterus lachneri is identified as a mouthbrooder, with distinctive pairing behavior observed during courtship and spawning activities.