Tailring Cardinalfish

Nectamia annularis is a marine fish belonging to the family Apogonidae or also called cardinalfishes.

Description

Tailring cardinalfish is a small sized fish which grows up to 7 cm. Its body has an elongate appearance, compressed laterally and with a round profile. It has two translucide dorsal fins, one lateral line, a large mouth and big round eyes. Its body coloration is silver grey with a black ring around the caudal peduncle.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found in tropical waters of the western part of the Indian Ocean, including the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and also the Maldives. They are living in shallow water on coral reef until 17 m depth.

Feeding

Nectamia annularis is a zooplankton-eater.

Behaviour

Tailring cardinalfish has nocturnal activity. For the feeding, they either stay alone or gather in small groups in shallow water above the coral reef. During daytime, they usually hide in reef crevices and caves.