Ostorhinchus notatus (Houttuyn, 1782)
Spotnape cardinalfish
Ostorhinchus notatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: southern Japan south to the Coral Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Characterized by having a black band from the snout to the eye; distinct spot on nape; black spot on caudal fin base; black blotch on the first dorsal fin distally; blackish bands along the bases of the second dorsal and anal fins (Ref. 93839).
Biology:  Occur in groups around coral bommies (Ref. 2334). In Japan, the breeding season is from June to September. Breeding pairs set up territory which is mostly defended by the female (Ref. 57690). Mouthbrooding is done by the male parents (Ref. 559 and 637) some of which resort to partial egg cannibalism probably to adjust the brood size to their buccal capacity (Ref. 57690). Nocturnal species, but courtship and spawning takes place during day (Ref. 7300, 37227, 38747).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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