Photo. (c) 2022 Chris Mason-Parker.
Scientific Name: Ostorhinchus aureus
English Name: Ringtailed cardinalfish
Creole Name:
French Name: Apogon doré
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (NE)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 8; Dorsal rays: 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal rays: 8.
Deep-bodied cardinalfish, with large eyes and oblique mouth.
Colour. Coppery dorsally with iridescence, becoming paler towards the caudal fin; greyish orange on flanks below lateral line becoming brighter ventrally.
Prominent black band on the caudal peduncle. Fins exhibit a pink to orange tinge. Faded dark bar runs from the snout to the eye bordered either side by
distinctive electric blue lines which continue through and peter out behind the eye onto the operculum. Electric blue edge to posterior portion of maxilla.
Size:
Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 14.5 cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits shallow rocky and coral reefs (depth 0-40 m). Shelters in crevices and under ledges. Usually occurs in aggregations, often mixed with other
Apogonids. Feeds on small crustaceans. Exhibits mouth brooding.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery.
Notes:
References:
Australian Museum (2021). Ring-tail Cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus aureus. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/ring-tail-cardinalfish-apogon-aureus-lacepde-1802/ (31/08/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/4837 (31/08/22).
Ostorhinchus aureus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/4466 (26/08/22).
Citation:
Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Ostorhinchus aureus, Ringtailed cardinalfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/ostorhinchus-aureus-lacepede-1802/