Red-Striped Cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus margaritophorus

The Red-striped Cardinalfish is a small reef-associated fish found in the Western Central Pacific, ranging from the Indo-Malay Archipelago to the Solomon Islands. It typically inhabits shallow coral reefs, lagoons, and sheltered bays, often seen in small groups near long-spined urchins or large anemones within seagrass beds. This species has an elongated, oval-shaped body, reaching a maximum length of 6.5 cm. It can be identified by its distinctive red stripes running along its body. This cardinalfish is a mouthbrooder, exhibiting distinct pairing during courtship and spawning. Divers may observe these fish engaging in such behavior, which is a notable aspect of their reproductive cycle. Encounters with the Red-striped Cardinalfish are typically serene, as they are harmless to humans. Divers might find them hovering near their preferred shelter sites, making them an interesting subject for observation. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.