Orangelined cardinalfish – Taeniamia fucata

Orangelined cardinalfish, Narrow-lined Cardinalfish, Orangelined Cardinalfish, Orange-lined Cardinalfish, Painted Cardinal, Red-barred Cardinalfish, Taeniamia fucata
Size: 10 cm
Depth: 2 - 60 m

American Samoa, Andaman and Nicobar, Australia, Bahrain, China, Comoros, Egypt, Fiji, Guam, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mayotte, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen

Arabian Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Thailand, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Persian Gulf, Red Sea, South China Sea, Yellow Sea

The Narrow-lined Cardinalfish, Orangelined Cardinalfish, Orange-lined Cardinalfish, Painted Cardinal, Red-barred Cardinalfish – Taeniamia fucata is a striking and relatively small fish, known for its distinctive coloration. It is a popular choice for marine aquariums due to its peaceful nature and vibrant appearance.

Description & Characteristics

This fish is readily identified by its slender, elongated body, which can reach a maximum size of 10.0 cm. The Taeniamia fucata is distinguished by its bright red coloration, which is adorned with a series of thin, orange lines running vertically along its body. These orange lines, the namesake of the fish, give it a truly remarkable and visually appealing appearance. The Taeniamia fucata is a member of the cardinalfish family, which are known for their nocturnal habits and tendency to aggregate in groups.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Taeniamia fucata is a widespread inhabitant of the Indo-Pacific region. This species can be found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and lagoons. It is commonly observed in areas with abundant vegetation and shelter, such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests. The Taeniamia fucata exhibits a depth range of 2.0 – 60.0 meters, indicating its adaptability to various depths in the ocean. It is particularly prevalent in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, making it a common sight in these marine zones.

Taxonomy

The species Taeniamia fucata belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Kurtiformes, and Family: Apogonidae. This classification reflects its evolutionary lineage and relationships within the broader fish kingdom. The Taeniamia fucata is a member of the Apogonidae family, which encompasses a wide range of cardinalfish species, all sharing certain characteristics like their nocturnal behavior and tendency to guard eggs in their mouths.

Feeding

The Taeniamia fucata is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates. Its diet typically includes amphipods, brine shrimp nauplii, copepods, Daphnia salina, krill, mysis, shrimps, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. This diverse feeding behavior contributes to its success in a variety of marine habitats. The Taeniamia fucata is a crucial part of the food chain, playing a role in regulating the populations of its prey.

Associated Species

Image References

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