Phaeoptyx conklini (Silvester, 1915)
Freckled cardinalfish
photo by Charteris, M.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 22 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: southern Florida (USA) and Bahamas to northern South America.
Diagnosis:  Enlarged melanophores that form large stellate or squarish spots, usually more than 1 per scale below lateral line (Ref. 26938). Vertically elongate blackish blotch at caudal fin base (Ref. 13442).
Biology:  Commonly found on shallow rocky and coral bottoms (Ref. 9626), in empty conch shells, rubble, or empty containers. Abundant where Acropora palmata abound (Ref. 9626). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Presence of buccal pouch for brooding eggs (Ref. 39366).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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