Ostorhinchus moluccensis (Valenciennes, 1832)
Moluccan cardinalfish
Moluccen cardinalfish,  Yellow-eye cardinalfish
Ostorhinchus moluccensis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: South Africa and India eastward to Fiji; north to Taiwan, south to Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. Distinguished from other species of Apogon in the subgenus Ostorhinchus with 21-25 rudiments + gill rakers, 14-17 lower arch developed gill rakers; the roof of the mouth and portions of gill arches pale; a whitish spot behind the posterior base of the second dorsal fin (Ref. 58519).
Biology:  Nocturnal species. Occurs inshore (Ref. 7300); usually in silty habitat on mud slopes, in lagoons, and sheltered reefs. Usually seen in pairs or schooling, comprising numerous pairs when adult (Ref. 48635).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Type localities: Ambon, MNHN 8707 (holotype of Apogon moluccensis, 6.03 cm SL, 7.6 cm TL); Celebes, Manado, RMNH 5567 (lectotype of Apogon monochrous, 6.5 cm SL, 8.19 cm TL); Wahai, Ceram (= Seram), RMNH 23964 (lectotype of Apogon chrysosoma, 4.2 cm SL) (Ref. 58519). Known from Bali Strait to Timor Sea; including Raja Ampat Islands, Manado and vicinity, Togean and Banggai Islands and Pulau Weh; Lombok, Flores, and Ambon. Museum: WAM P.28044-004 (TGT1049) (Ref. 5978). As A. ventrifasciatus in Sorongjunkung, Lombok, BPBM 30132 (paratypes, 2:3.9 cm SL). Japanese shipwreck near Wodong, SE corner of Maumere Bay, Flores, 3-4 m, BPBM 34085 (paratypes, 5:2.69-4.15 cm SL). Reef off Sao Wisata Resort, Maumere Bay, Flores, 8 m, BPBM 34136 (paratypes, 7:3.52-4.87 cm SL). Off Poka Village, Ambon, Molucca Is., 3-4m, NCIP 6119-6120 (paratypes, 2:3.54-3.65 cm SL); WAM P.25244-011 (Ref. 11893). Also Ref. 8631, 47567, 48635, 90102.


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