Ostorhinchus cookii (Macleay, 1881)
Cook's cardinalfish
photo by Cano Tsang@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  10 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 10 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman south to Natal and east to the western Pacific where it ranges from Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797). Also reported from Persian Gulf (Ref. 68964).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Distinguished by having the following characteristics: Dorsal-fin rays VII-I, 9; anal-fin rays II, 8; pectoral-fin rays 14; pelvic-fin rays I,5; pored lateral line scales 24; predorsal scales 3-4; circumpeduncular scales 12; total gill rakers 18-20, developed rakers 12-13 (Ref. 93839). Whitish with 5-6 stripes (dark brown to yellowish), the stripe originating at the upper rear corner of eye incomplete; midlateral stripe ending in a distinct black spot at caudal fin base (Ref. 2334). Further characterized by presence of dark spot at middle of caudal fin base merged with midlateral stripe; greatest depth of body 2.5-2.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found close to ledges of rocky areas or coral reefs during the day (Ref. 559). Subtidal zone to depths of about 10 m (Ref. 48635). Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Solitary or in small groups (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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