Cheilodipterus parazonatus Gon, 1993
Mimic cardinal
Cheilodipterus parazonatus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  6.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomons, and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Color in life pale greenish to brownish gray. Top of head and dorsum may be darker. A black midlateral stripe from snout to tail, tapering to a point on proximal third of midcaudal ray. Black stripe accentuated by a striking narrow white stripe along its dorsal and ventral edge. Fins transparent (Ref 8525). Description: Characterized by having greatest depth of body at 3.2-3.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow lagoon at about 1 to 15 m, but are occasionally found in deeper water down to 35 m. This species ventures into open water and seen in association with and imitating the foraging behavior of Meiacanthus vittatus. Swims with quick darting motion, mimics Meiacanthus vittatus (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 February 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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