The Swallowtail Cardinalfish, Black-nosed Cardinalfish – Verulux cypselurus is a small, colorful fish species that is commonly found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Known for its distinctive appearance and unique behavior, the Verulux cypselurus is a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and hobbyist aquarists alike.
Description & Characteristics
The Verulux cypselurus is a relatively small fish, typically reaching a maximum size of 6.0 cm. It is characterized by its slender, elongated body and a prominent black spot at the base of its tail. Its dorsal fin is long and continuous, while its anal fin is shorter and rounded. Its body coloration can vary depending on its environment, ranging from a pale to a reddish brown, often with bright red stripes or bands along its flanks. The Verulux cypselurus has a distinctive “black nose”, giving it the common name “Black-nosed Cardinalfish”.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Verulux cypselurus is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky shores in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. It is typically found at depths ranging from 2.0 to 15.0 meters, often dwelling in shallow lagoons and crevices. This species is frequently encountered in the marine zones of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Western Pacific Ocean. This widespread distribution makes the Verulux cypselurus a familiar sight to divers and snorkelers across its range.
Taxonomy
The Verulux cypselurus is classified within the family Apogonidae, commonly known as cardinalfishes. This family is part of the order Kurtiformes, which comprises a diverse range of fish species, including cardinalfishes, flagtails, and drummers. These fish are further classified within the class Teleostei, which encompasses most of the bony fishes found around the world.
Feeding
The Verulux cypselurus is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on small crustaceans, invertebrates, and zooplankton. It often hunts by ambush, lurking in crevices or coral formations and darting out to catch its prey. This feeding strategy allows the Verulux cypselurus to efficiently exploit the diverse array of small organisms that make up the benthic and pelagic communities of its habitat.
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