Apogonichthyoides melas (Bleeker, 1848)
Black cardinalfish
Apogonichthyoides melas
photo by Cook, D.C.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Malaysia to Moluccas, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Rowley Shoals. Reported from New Caledonia (Ref. 11889).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Characterized by tall, rounded dorsal fins; broad rounded tail lobes; overall dark brown coloration with pale-edged black spot at second dorsal fin base; turn pale at night with 2-3 dark bars; greatest depth of body 2.3-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in shallow well protected coastal bays, commonly found under jetties, hiding in dark areas (Ref. 48635); also in inshore rocky areas and among branching coral (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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