Fibramia thermalis (Cuvier, 1829)
Half-barred cardinal
Fibramia thermalis
photo by Greenfield, J.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  8.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 20 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: south to Natal, South Africa (Ref. 4329) and east to western Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Black stripe from snout through eye to angle of opercle; tip of 1st dorsal present; caudal spot present (Ref. 4329, 48635). Sometimes has yellow barring on sides (Ref. 48635). 2-3 tiny black spots along base of dorsal fin; greatest depth of body 2.6-3.0 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in deep coastal reefs (Ref. 8631). Form small schools with outcrops on reef on sand to depths of 20 m (Ref. 48635); or among rocks or corals of shallow sheltered lagoons (Ref. 7300); often in seagrass beds (Ref. 37816). A nocturnal species (Ref. 7300).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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