Iridescent cardinalfish – Pristiapogon kallopterus

Iridescent cardinalfish, Spinyhead Cardinalfish, Iridescent Cardinalfish, Kallopterus Cardinalfish, Spiny-head Cardinal, Spiny-head Cardinalfish, Pristiapogon kallopterus

The Spinyhead Cardinalfish, Iridescent Cardinalfish, Kallopterus Cardinalfish, Spiny-head Cardinal, Spiny-head Cardinalfish (scientific name: Pristiapogon kallopterus) is a small, colorful fish species found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This fish is known for its vibrant hues, spiny head, and distinctive, iridescent body.

Description & Characteristics

The Pristiapogon kallopterus is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 15.5 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed laterally, with a pronounced spiny head, which gives it its common name. The fish’s most striking feature is its iridescent coloration, which varies depending on the angle of light. It typically displays a mix of red, orange, and yellow hues, creating a shimmering effect.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Pristiapogon kallopterus is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky outcrops, typically found in depths ranging from 3.0 to 158.0 meters. It can be observed in various marine zones, including the neritic zone, which refers to the shallow water area extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf, as well as the bathyal zone, which is the deeper region of the ocean beyond the continental shelf. This species is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, extending from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pacific Islands.

Taxonomy

The Pristiapogon kallopterus species is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Kurtiformes, and Family: Apogonidae. This family, known as the cardinalfishes, is renowned for its diverse array of species, many of which exhibit vibrant colors and unique adaptations to their specific habitats.

Feeding

The Pristiapogon kallopterus is a carnivorous fish that feeds primarily on zooplankton and small invertebrates. Its diet includes a wide variety of organisms such as copepods, crabs, small fishes, isopods, krill, mysids, ostracodes (seed shrimps), rock shrimps, schrimps, shrimps, snails, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. This diverse diet reflects its adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of marine environments.

Associated Species

Image References

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