Ostorhinchus moluccensis (Valenciennes, 1832)
Moluccan cardinalfish
Ostorhinchus moluccensis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: South Africa and India eastward to Fiji; north to Taiwan, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. Distinguished from other species of Apogon in the subgenus Ostorhinchus with 21-25 rudiments + gill rakers, 14-17 lower arch developed gill rakers; the roof of the mouth and portions of gill arches pale; a whitish spot behind the posterior base of the second dorsal fin (Ref. 58519).
Biology:  Nocturnal species. Occurs inshore (Ref. 7300); usually in silty habitat on mud slopes, in lagoons, and sheltered reefs. Usually seen in pairs or schooling, comprising numerous pairs when adult (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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