Cheilodipterus lachneri Klausewitz, 1959
Aqaba Cardinalfish
Cheilodipterus lachneri
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  12 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: known only in the Red Sea, rare at the south of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Diagnosis:  Color in life brownish gray with 9-13 dark brown stripes of alternating width and intensity. Dark brown spot on middle of caudal peduncle larger than pupil size and encircled with yellow. In large fish dark caudal spot may expand to form a bar around peduncle. Distinct snow white area between caudal spot (or bar) and posterior ends of body stripes. Distal part of first dorsal fin blackish. Upper- and lowermost caudal rays dusky, but not as dark as body stripes. Other fins pale with reddish hue. Snout with yellow tinge (yellow pigment may be absent altogether in large adults) (Ref 8525).
Biology:  Sexual maturity reached at 6.5-7 cm.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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