The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) is a species of cardinalfish that is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. This fish is distinguished by its gelatinous appearance and its relatively small size, making it a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and aquarists alike.
Description & Characteristics
The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) is a small, slender fish with a translucent, gelatinous body. It reaches a maximum size of 11.0 cm in length. Its body is laterally compressed, with a large head and a small mouth. The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) is characterized by its distinctive color pattern: a pale yellowish-brown body with a series of vertical, reddish-brown bars. Its fins are also translucent and often edged with a reddish hue.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) typically inhabits the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is found in shallow reefs, seagrass meadows, and lagoons, often in depths ranging from 1.0 to 64.0 meters. This adaptability allows the species to thrive in a variety of marine zones, making it a common sight in coral reefs, mangrove forests, and even coastal estuaries.
Taxonomy
The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) belongs to the Order: Kurtiformes, which encompasses a diverse range of fish, including cardinalfish, silversides, and flagtails. Within this order, it falls under the Family: Apogonidae, a family known for its vibrant colors and nocturnal habits. This family includes over 200 species, with the Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) being a representative example of the diversity found within this group.
Feeding
The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on a diet of small invertebrates and zooplankton. This includes a wide range of prey items such as amphipods, copepods, daphnia salina, fish larvae, krill, mysis, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. The Gelatinous Cardinalfish (Pseudamia gelatinosa) plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of its habitat by controlling the populations of these small organisms.
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