Cheilodipterus artus Smith, 1961
Wolf cardinalfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  18.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 158 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Tuamoto Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Juveniles have a small black spot surrounded by a large gold blotch on the caudal peduncle (Ref. 37816); characterized further by the following: mauve or pale grey color with eight reddish brown stripes; blackish to brown caudal fin base; adults capable of quick color change; greatest depth of body 3.2-4.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in sheltered bays and lagoon patch reefs from 5 to at least 20 m, forming small, loose aggregates in caves or just above branches of certain corals (Ref. 1602). Feeds on small fishes (Ref. 37816).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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