Ostorhinchus neotes (Allen, Kuiter & Randall, 1994)
Mini cardinalfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  2.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 25 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines (Ref. 48613); Maumere Bay (Indonesia), Palau and Madang, Papua New Guinea; Australia (Ref. 75154) and Solomon Islands (Ref. 90102). Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished by having D VI-I,9; A II,8; pectoral rays 13; mid-lateral line scales 24; tubed lateral line scales absent; predorsal scales 4; gill rakers 5+16-18, excluding an indistinct rudiment on upper limb; preopercular margin serrate; preopercular ridge smooth; vomer and palatine toothless; body depth 4.2-4.7 in SL; semi-transparent in life with black sub-dermal midlateral stripe and black, pupil-sized spot at the base of the caudal fin (Ref. 11893).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoons and outer reefs in relatively clear water; usually with soft corals or gorgonian fans (Ref. 11893). Forms small schools (Ref. 48636).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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