Timor Cardinalfish

The Timor Cardinalfish (Apogonichthyoides timorensis) is a tropical marine species primarily associated with reef environments and is non-migratory. It can be typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters and reaches a maximum length of 9 centimeters.

This small cardinalfish is characterized by its coppery brown to yellowish coloration, featuring an oblique black line below the eye. It may also display up to three faint dark bars on its body, with two broad and sometimes indistinct bars, and occasionally a third dark bar near the rear of the caudal peduncle. The first dorsal fin often has a blackish tip, and a narrow dark line extends from the eye, slanting across the cheek.

The species inhabits shallow, protected coastal reef crests and lagoons, typically seeking shelter beneath corals during the day. It may also be found on soft bottoms as a result of trawling operations and beneath boulders on shallow reef flats. Notably, the Timor Cardinalfish is a nocturnal species.

Reproduction involves mouthbrooding, with distinct pairing behaviors observed during courtship and spawning periods.

Geographically, the Timor Cardinalfish is distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the 🌊 Red Sea and southern 🇴🇲 Oman southward to Natal, 🇿🇦 South Africa, and extending eastward to the western Pacific, including locations from 🇯🇵 Japan to northern 🇦🇺 Australia.