Spotted cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus maculiferus)
Source-cited species reference: taxonomy from WoRMS, biology from FishBase, occurrence map from GBIF, conservation from IUCN Red List, description from Wikipedia.
Ostorhinchus maculiferus, commonly known as the Hawaiian Spotted Cardinalfish or ʻUpāpalu, is a species of reef-associated cardinalfish in the family Apogonidae. Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, it occurs across both the main and northwestern island chains, typically inhabiting rocky reefs, caves, and crevices. Known for its pale body coloration with rows of dark spots and large eyes adapted for nocturnal activity, this species plays an important role in reef ecosystem dynamics. Juveniles are often found in tide pools and shallow flats, later transitioning to deeper waters as they mature. ʻUpāpalu holds cultural significance in Hawaiʻi, having traditionally been used as a food fish and caught with nets or traps. Although currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, O. maculiferus remains vulnerable to threats such as climate change, habitat degradation, and overfishing.
- Scientific name
- Ostorhinchus maculiferus
- Authority
- (Garrett, 1864)
- Family
- Apogonidae
- Order
- Apogoniformes
- Maximum length
- 14 cm
- Depth range
- 1–119 m
- Habitat zone
- reef-associated
- Iucn red list
- Least Concern
- Gbif occurrence records
- 96
Classification (WoRMS)
Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Apogoniformes · Family: Apogonidae · Genus: Ostorhinchus.
Accepted name: Ostorhinchus maculiferus · Authority: (Garrett, 1864) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 712670.
Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Apogon maculiferus Garrett, 1864.
Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=712670 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Biology and life history (FishBase)
Measured values published by FishBase for Ostorhinchus maculiferus. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.
Maximum length: 14 cm · Depth range: 1–119 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: fusiform / normal · Vulnerability index: 10 of 100.
FishBase notes: Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Nocturnal, under ledges or in caves by day (Ref. 9710).
Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 7788) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Ostorhinchus-maculiferus.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)
96 georeferenced occurrence records for Ostorhinchus maculiferus are published through GBIF from 2 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 13 distinct locations from a sample of 96 records, omitting 4 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.
Most records by country or area: United States of America (93); United States Minor Outlying Islands (3).
Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 5962023) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=5962023&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=712670 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-23.
Conservation status (IUCN Red List)
The IUCN Red List assesses Ostorhinchus maculiferus (Garrett, 1864) as Least Concern (code LC). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.
Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 193362) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/193362/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 5962023) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/5962023/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-23.
Description and natural history (Wikipedia)
Ostorhinchus maculiferus has an elongated, laterally compressed body that grows up to 15 cm (6 in) in length. It is typically pale purplish grey with an orange belly and dusky reddish-orange head. One of its defining features is the presence of six or seven longitudinal rows of dark spots along its body. Its large eyes are well-suited for night activity, and its wide mouth is adapted for feeding on small prey. Unlike some cardinalfish, O. maculiferus has a single dorsal fin with a slight notch and a well-developed caudal fin for swift movement.
The species' short snout and eye size are consistent with adaptations found in many nocturnal reef fishes, helping it to navigate and hunt in low-light environments. Its coloration may also aid in camouflage within its rocky reef habitat.
This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and occurs throughout both the main and Northwestern island chains. It primarily inhabits rocky reefs, crevices, and underwater caves at depths of 1 to 119 meters (3 to 390 feet), but is most often observed between 15 and 30 meters (50 and 100 feet). By day, it hides in reef structures to avoid predators and emerges at night to feed on small crustaceans and plankton. Juveniles are commonly found in tide pools and reef flats, where they use macroalgae and coral rubble for shelter before migrating to deeper waters.
In Hawaiian culture, O. maculiferus is known as ʻupāpalu. It was traditionally caught using basket traps, handlines, or net fishing. The fish is noted for its soft, white, and sweet-tasting flesh, with few bones, making it a valued food source. ʻUpāpalu are said to rise to the surface in large numbers on moonlit nights, especially in regions like Puna and Kaʻū, making them easier to catch.
Ostorhinchus maculiferus is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its stable population. However, as a Hawaiian endemic, it remains susceptible to habitat loss, coral bleaching, and overfishing. Conservation strategies, particularly the implementation of MPAs, play a critical role in maintaining healthy reef environments and protecting species like O. maculiferus from ecological decline.
Source: Wikipedia: Ostorhinchus maculiferus — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostorhinchus_maculiferus (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-23.
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