The Truncate Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Cheilodipterus singapurensis, is a captivating marine fish species. This species is renowned for its distinctive physical characteristics and captivating behaviors. It is a fascinating inhabitant of the underwater world, playing a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
Cheilodipterus singapurensis is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 18.0 cm. The Truncate Cardinalfish exhibits a slender and elongated body shape, adorned with vibrant coloration. Its distinctive truncate tail fin adds to its unique appearance. The fish is often observed in groups, adding to the visual spectacle it creates in its habitat.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cheilodipterus singapurensis is a common inhabitant of tropical coral reefs and rocky reefs. It prefers shallow waters, typically found at depths between 2.0 and 10.0 meters. This depth range places it within the epipelagic zone, the uppermost layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates. The Truncate Cardinalfish is a resident of the Indo-Pacific region, making it a familiar sight in the marine ecosystems of this vast area.
Taxonomy
Cheilodipterus singapurensis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Kurtiformes, and Family: Apogonidae. The Apogonidae family, commonly known as cardinalfishes, encompasses over 200 species, all of which share a distinctive body shape and are generally small-bodied. The Teleostei class represents the vast majority of bony fishes, characterized by a wide variety of forms and habitats.
Feeding
Cheilodipterus singapurensis is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on a diverse diet of small crustaceans, invertebrates, and zooplankton. Its menu includes amphipods, copepods, krill, mysis, shrimp, daphnia salina, fish larvae, and other small fish. The Truncate Cardinalfish plays an important role in controlling the populations of these organisms in its habitat, contributing to the balance of its ecosystem.
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