Sphaeramia nematoptera

(Bleeker, 1856)

Vernacular names
English : Pajama cardinalfish
French : Apogon pyjama

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Kurtiformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Apogonidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach up to 8.5 cm in length. Roundish body with large red eyes and long fins. Head and breast translucent yellow, back of body and tail whitish with regular round brown-red spots. Large vertical black band on middle of body.

Range and habitat
The species lives in the Indo-Pacific area, from Java to Fiji and Tonga, north to Ryukyu islands, south to Great Barrier Reef. Lives in sheltered bays and lagoons with coral growth, down to 14 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : Despite local collection for aquarium trade and habitat loss, the species appears to remain safe for now.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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