The Hawaiian Ruby Cardinalfish, Apogon erythrinus, is a small, vibrant fish with a captivating red hue. It is a common inhabitant of the coral reefs and rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean, where it adds a splash of color to the underwater landscape.
Description and Characteristics
The Hawaiian Ruby Cardinalfish, Apogon erythrinus, is a small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 4.0 cm. Its most striking feature is its brilliant red coloration, which covers its entire body. This vibrant hue makes it a visually appealing resident of the reefs. The fish has a slender body shape, with large eyes and a small mouth.
Habitat and Occurrence
Apogon erythrinus is found in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. It prefers shallow reefs and rocky shores, typically residing in depths ranging from 1.0 to 48.0 meters. This depth range allows it to inhabit a variety of marine zones, including the intertidal zone, the neritic zone, and the oceanic zone. Its adaptability to different environments contributes to its widespread occurrence throughout the Pacific region.
Taxonomy
The Hawaiian Ruby Cardinalfish, Apogon erythrinus, belongs to the family Apogonidae, which is a diverse group of fish commonly known as cardinalfishes. These fish are classified within the order Kurtiformes and the class Teleostei, which encompasses a vast majority of bony fishes.
Feeding
Apogon erythrinus is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on zooplankton and other small invertebrates. Its diet includes brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, copepods, cyclops, Daphnia salina, fish larvae, worms, and zoobenthos. It plays an important role in the marine ecosystem by controlling populations of these organisms. Its predatory nature helps maintain the balance of the food web within its habitat.
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