Tiger Cardinalfish

Cheilodipterus macrodon is a species of marine fish in the family Apogonidae. It is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, Red Sea included.

Description

The large-toothed cardinalfish can reach a maximum size of 25 cm in length. Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Characterized by having dorsal fin rays VI-I, 9; anal fin rays II,8; pectoral fin rays 12; pelvic fin rays I, 5; pored lateral line scales 25; predorsal scales 6; circumpeduncular scales 12; large canine-like teeth on jaws; preopercular margin serrated; juveniles have a large black blotch on the caudal peduncle which becomes diffuse with age. Adults resemble adults of C. artus, but have wider stripes with darker interspace; characterized further by pale grey color; eight red-brown stripes on side, caudal fin base whitish; dark caudal fin margins; greatest depth of body 3.1-3.8 in SL.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Pitcairn, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa.

Habitat

Common in outer reef slopes in 4-30 m depth; in caves and ledges of clear lagoon and seaward reefs from 0.5 to at least 40 m, generally hovering solitarily in midwater. Adults usually in pairs or small groups comprising several pairs; juveniles solitary or small groups. Feeds primarily on small fishes. Sexual maturity reached at about 8 cm.