Blackstriped Cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus nigrofasciatus, is a cardinalfish from the Indo-Pacific. A yellow-black striped fish, it occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to 10 cm in length.

Description

It is characterized by alternating black and yellow stripes, dark stripes wider; greatest depth of body 2.6-3.1 in SL. Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 8. Characterized by having dorsal fin rays VII-I, 9; anal fin rays II,8; pectoral fin rays 14; pelvic fin rays I, 5; pored lateral line scales 24; predorsal scales 4; circumpeduncular scales 12; total gill rakers 24, developed gill rakers 18; snout pointed.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: known from the Red Sea and Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean; ranging to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan, south to New Caledonia and Rapa. Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique.

Habitat

Occurs on reef flats and shallow lagoon reef, usually seen singly or in pairs under ledges or in crevices. Feed on small benthic invertebrates at night.