How big is the Black cardinalfish?

Black cardinalfish (Apogonichthyoides melas) reaches 5–10 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Black cardinalfish?

Black cardinalfish is found between 1–20 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Black cardinalfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Black cardinalfish?

Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Black cardinalfish (Apogonichthyoides melas)

Key facts

Scientific name: Apogonichthyoides melas
Common name: Black cardinalfish
Category: Fish
Family: Apogonidae
Genus: Apogonichthyoides
Size: 5–10 cm
Depth: 1–20 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: seagrass, sand
Behaviours: solitary, cryptic
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Apogonichthyoides melas reaches 10 cm. Indo-Pacific cardinalfish (Apogonidae) with uniformly brown-black to dark-gray body (hence melas, black), sometimes with paler spot on head. Lives from 1 to 20 m in seagrass, mangroves, coastal sandy areas and dark shelters of central Indo-Pacific. Nocturnal, cryptic. Discreet cousin of more colorful iconic cardinalfish. Discreet macro photo subject for specialized mangrove/seagrass habitat dives.

Photo of Black cardinalfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Black cardinalfish?: Black cardinalfish (Apogonichthyoides melas) reaches 5–10 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Black cardinalfish?: Black cardinalfish is found between 1–20 m deep.
Is the Black cardinalfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Black cardinalfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Black cardinalfish?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Apogonidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 712635)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 7193075)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia