How big is the Urchin cardinalfish?

Urchin cardinalfish (Siphamia tubifer) reaches 4–6 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Urchin cardinalfish?

Urchin cardinalfish is found between 2–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Urchin cardinalfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Urchin cardinalfish?

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

Urchin cardinalfish (Siphamia tubifer)

Key facts

Scientific name: Siphamia tubifer
Common name: Urchin cardinalfish
Category: Fish
Family: Apogonidae
Genus: Siphamia
Size: 4–6 cm
Depth: 2–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef
Behaviours: solitary, symbiotic, cryptic
Ocean zones: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea

Description

Siphamia tubifer reaches 6 cm. Tiny Indo-Pacific cardinalfish (Apogonidae) with silver-translucent body with subtle striped patterns. Remarkable behavior: lives in obligate commensalism sheltered between venomous spines of Diadema urchins (setosum, savignyi) which offer protection against predators. Has bacterial luminous organ (bioluminescence) on belly, used for communications or camouflage against sky. Lives from 2 to 30 m on coral reefs of Indo-Pacific. Unique macro photo subject for cardinal-urchin symbiosis.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Urchin cardinalfish?: Urchin cardinalfish (Siphamia tubifer) reaches 4–6 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Urchin cardinalfish?: Urchin cardinalfish is found between 2–30 m deep.
Is the Urchin cardinalfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Urchin cardinalfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Urchin cardinalfish?: Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.

Other species in the family Apogonidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 277708)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2397513)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia