Belted cardinalfish
A mouthbrooding cardinalfish of the western Atlantic.
The belted cardinalfish (Apogon townsendi) is a tropical marine species belonging to the genus Apogon. It reaches a maximum length of 6.5 centimeters (2.6 inches). The fish has two dorsal fins: the first with six spines, and the second with one spine and nine rays. Its pectoral fins contain 12 rays, and the anal fins have two spines and eight rays. The tail fin is forked, with twelve scales encircling the caudal peduncle. The upper side is red or reddish-pink, while the underside is reddish-yellow. A dark ring sits just before the tail fin, fading toward it, and a thin, dark belt runs from the base of the second dorsal fin to the base of the anal fin. The scales have toothed edges and are shed periodically. Adults carry the eggs in their mouths until they mature. The species is considered poor for eating.
This fish inhabits the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and waters off northeastern South America. Its range extends from northern South America north to southern Florida and Bermuda, and includes the Antilles. It lives in rocky areas and reefs near drop-offs, often at depths of 3 to 55 meters (9.8 to 180.4 feet). Belted cardinalfish are found in caves and holes, and sometimes among the spines of the long-spined urchin.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Apogon townsendi
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The belted cardinalfish reaches a maximum length of 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in). It has two dorsal fins, with six spines in the first and one spine on the first with nine rays; the pectoral fins have 12 rays, and the anal fins have two spines and eight rays. The caudal fin is forked with twelve scales around the caudal peduncle. The dorsal side is red or reddish-pink, while the ventral side is reddish-yellow. A dark ring is present anterior to the caudal fin, lightening towards the fin, and a dark, thin belt extends from the base of the second dorsal fin to the base of the anal fin. The scales have a toothed margin and are shed periodically. The eggs are carried in the mouth of the adult as they mature. The edibility of this species has been described as 'poor'.
Reader's Guide
The belted cardinalfish is distributed through the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and waters off northeastern South America, ranging from northern South America north to southern Florida, including Bermuda and the Antilles. It inhabits rocky areas and reefs near drop-offs, often found at depths of 3 to 55 metres (9.8 to 180.4 ft). It frequents caves and holes, and may be found among the spines of the long-spined urchin. Its significance lies in its distinctive mouthbrooding reproductive behavior, where eggs are carried in the mouth of the adult as they mature, a characteristic trait of many cardinalfishes. The species is also noted for its poor edibility, as described in the source article.
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