Goldbelly Cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus apogonoides is a species of cardinalfishes native to the Indian and Pacific Ocean.

Description

Reddish dorsally and yellowish ventrally. Body depth is ower than Ostorhinchus aureus and no wide black band on caudal peduncle. Juveniles are pale with short blue lines on snout. Adults are to deep golden with blue spots in three rows on mid-lateral surface of body.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Red Sea, East Africa to the Philippines, north to Miyakejima, Japan and Taiwan, south to northern Australia and Society Islands.

Habitat

Inhabits rocky cliffs. Also in sheltered coastal to outer reefs from shallow flats to over 50 m depth. Usually in pairs, small aggregations, or occasionally schooling. Occurrence is rather rare. Feeds on zooplankons and invertebrates.