Phaeoptyx pigmentaria (Poey, 1860)
Dusky cardinalfish
Phaeoptyx pigmentaria
photo by Cherson, A.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 13 - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Florida, USA and Bermuda southward through northeastern Gulf of Mexico and Bahamas to Brazil. Eastern Atlantic: Gulf of Guinea (Ref. 7321), Ascension I. (Ref. 98447)..
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Large melanophores that form star-shaped spots, usually 1 per scale below lateral line (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Found on coral, gravel, or shell bottoms (Ref. 9626). Found near open basket stars at night (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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