Description:

Dorsal spines: 7; Dorsal rays: 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal rays: 9.

Small deep-bodied cardinalfish, with large eyes and oblique mouth. Elongated first dorsal fin.

Colour. Semi-transparent body with iridescent blue and orange bars on the head and behind the operculum. Snout and top of head dusky. Narrow white line 
commencing at the first dorsal fin and running to the caudal peduncle.

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 6.0 cm TL.
 

Inhabits turbid bays and lagoons (depth 1-12 m). Found in crevices and under ledges. Usually occurs in aggregations, sometimes mixed with other Apogonids. 
Frequently associated with Porites cylindrica. Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning. Exhibits mouth brooding.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery.
 

Exhibits obligate monogamy.
 

Bray, D.J. (2017). Zoramia leptacantha in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3481 (27/08/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.in/summary/Zoramia-leptacantha.html (04/09/22). 
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021) Zoramia leptacantha in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK.
Smith, M. & Heemstra, P. (Eds.) (1999). Smiths’ Sea Fishes Edition 6. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 10.1007/978-3-642-82858-4

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Zoramia leptacantha, Threadfin cardinalfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/zoramia-leptacantha-bleeker-1856/