Wassinki Cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus wassinki

The Wassinki Cardinalfish, a member of the Apogonidae family, is a reef-associated species found in the Western Central Pacific, particularly from Malaysia and the Philippines to Australia and Papua New Guinea. This small fish reaches a maximum length of about 7 cm and features an elongated, compressed body. It can be identified by its dorsal fin configuration, having eight dorsal spines and nine soft rays, along with two anal spines and eight anal soft rays. This species inhabits coral reefs and is also found on sheltered rocky reefs, often in silty conditions, at depths ranging from 2 to 15 meters. It is typically seen either solitary or in pairs, especially during courtship and spawning, as it exhibits mouthbrooding behavior. Divers may encounter this fish in shallow reef environments, where it may be seen hovering near the substrate or amongst coral structures. The Wassinki Cardinalfish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers exploring its habitat might find it a relatively common sight, though its small size and tendency to remain close to the reef can make it less conspicuous.