Siphamia mossambica Smith, 1955
Sea urchin cardinal
Siphamia mossambica
photo by SFSA

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 26 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: endemic to the area, along the east coast of Africa from Kenya to South Africa, Seychelles, Comoro Islands, Madagascar and Mauritius,
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body covered with dark dots; 2 dark spots on caudal base. Developed gill rakers 9.
Biology:  Found in tidal pools among spines of sea urchins (Echinotrix diadema and Diadema setosum) (Ref. 90035).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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