Springer’s Cardinalfish

Springer's Cardinalfish (Pseudamiops springeri) is a marine species commonly associated with tropical reef environments, typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 18 meters. This species reaches a maximum length of 2.7 cm and displays cryptic behavior by residing predominantly within caves.

Specimens of Springer's Cardinalfish have been observed and collected from various depths. The smallest recorded individual was located approximately 2-3 meters from a cave entrance on a seaward reef at a depth of 18 meters. Additional specimens have been found within caves at depths of 5 and 11 meters.

Morphologically, the fish exhibits a transparent body and head, red gills, large peritoneal melanophores, visible series of ovate white eggs, a dark kidney, and a clearly visible vertebral column. The iris is grayish-brown. Post-mortem, the body of the smaller paratype turns opaque white and gradually becomes translucent towards the rear, with a small dusky spot behind the eye. The gills are partially visible through the translucent opercle, and peritoneal melanophores are discernible through the abdominal wall. The pupil remains black, and the iris appears silvery, sometimes with irregular black markings that are denser dorsally. The fins are transparent. When preserved in alcohol, the body color transitions to a cream white or yellowish dark brown, with the presence of large stellate melanophores on the peritoneum often remaining visible through the abdominal wall. The fins appear pale.

Geographically, Springer's Cardinalfish is endemic to the western 🌊 Indian Ocean, specifically the 🌊 Red Sea, with its distribution including the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Strait of Jubal in 🇪🇬 Egypt, and areas north of Jeddah in 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia.