Astrapogon stellatus (Cope, 1867)
Conchfish
photo by Charteris, M.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Bermuda, Florida (USA), and Bahamas to the Antilles (Ref. 26938) and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Ref. 57756).
Diagnosis:  Preopercle smooth, scales smooth, no scales on midline in front of dorsal fin.
Biology:  Prefers clear insular waters of oceanic islands (Ref. 9626). Has a commensal relationship with the conch shell Lobatus gigas (where it is found in the mantle cavity) and with the bivalve Atrina rigida (Ref. 9626). Emerges at night from the conch shell to feed on small crustaceans. Males brood the eggs in their mouths. (Ref. 26938).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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