The Little Siphonfish, Woods Siphon Fish, Wood’s Siphon-fish, scientifically known as Siphamia cephalotes, is a small, slender fish belonging to the cardinalfish family (Apogonidae). This species is notable for its distinctive siphon-like structure on its head, which gives it its common names.
Description & Characteristics
Siphamia cephalotes is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 5.0 cm. It is characterized by its elongated, slender body and a prominent siphon-like structure on its head. This siphon is actually a modified nasal organ and is thought to help the fish detect prey and navigate its surroundings. The species exhibits a characteristic reddish-brown coloration with darker stripes running along its body.
Habitat and Occurrence
Siphamia cephalotes is typically found in shallow, coastal waters, with a depth range of 0.0 – 7.0 meters. Its preferred habitats include coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds. This fish is commonly found in the neritic zone, the region of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
Siphamia cephalotes belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Kurtiformes, and Family: Apogonidae. This fish is classified within the vast and diverse group of ray-finned fishes, distinguished by their bony skeletons and fins supported by rays. The order Kurtiformes encompasses a range of fish species that predominantly inhabit tropical and subtropical waters. The cardinalfish family, Apogonidae, is characterized by its members’ typically small size, slender bodies, and often bright, colorful coloration.
Feeding
Siphamia cephalotes is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, crustaceans, and fish larvae. Its diet includes:
- Amphipods
- Copepods
- Daphnia salina
- Fish eggs
- Fish larvae
- Invertebrates
- Krill
- Mysis
- Zoobenthos
- Zooplankton
Using its siphon-like nasal organ, Siphamia cephalotes likely detects prey by sensing the chemical trails they leave behind.
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