Ostorhinchus novemfasciatus (Cuvier, 1828)
Sevenstriped cardinalfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 4 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to the Line Islands, north to the Izu Islands, south to Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Characterized by alternating dark brown and whitish stripes, dark stripes narrower than pale ones; dark midlateral stripe extending onto caudal fin; greatest depth of body 2.7-3.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Common in reef flats and shallow lagoons to a depth of about 4 m. Also found in rocky reefs (Ref. 93839). Feeds on small crustaceans and fishes (Ref. 1602). Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Usually in pairs swimming close to shelter (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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