The Cryptic cardinalfish (Apogon erythrinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Apogonidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian ruby cardinalfish is a very small cardinalfish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll in the central Pacific. It grows to only about 4 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, ruby-red body with two dorsal fins. It is a cryptic, nocturnal bottom-dweller that stays in reef crevices and shelters by day and hunts small invertebrates near the bottom at night. Like all cardinalfish it is a mouthbrooder with paternal care: the male incubates the eggs in his mouth. The fish lives at most a few months and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cryptic cardinalfish?
The Cryptic cardinalfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Cryptic cardinalfish live?
The Cryptic cardinalfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.
How big does the Cryptic cardinalfish get?
The Cryptic cardinalfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Cryptic cardinalfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Cryptic cardinalfish is harmless to humans.
Is the Cryptic cardinalfish edible?
The Cryptic cardinalfish is not usually eaten.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Apogon
More from the family Apogonidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.