The Yellowlined Cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia) is a small, brightly colored fish found in tropical waters. This species is known for its striking appearance and its intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
The Yellowlined Cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia, is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of around 12.0 cm. This species is easily recognizable due to its vivid color pattern. The body is generally silver to gray, adorned with a prominent yellow lateral stripe that extends the length of its body. The Yellowlined Cardinalfish has large eyes and a small mouth, which contributes to its delicate appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Yellowlined Cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia, is a common sight in shallow reef environments, typically inhabiting depths between 0.0 and 30.0 meters. These fish prefer areas with ample coral cover, seagrass beds, and rocky outcrops. The Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia is often found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting marine zones such as the tropical and subtropical waters. Their preference for these environments suggests their adaptation to warm temperatures and specific water conditions.
Taxonomy
The Yellowlined Cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia, belongs to a diverse group of fish within the Class: Teleostei. This class encompasses most of the bony fish species. It is further classified under the Order: Kurtiformes, which includes a variety of fish species known for their distinctive morphology and behavior. Finally, the Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia belongs to the Family: Apogonidae, commonly known as cardinalfishes. This family is recognized for their vibrant coloration and their unique reproductive strategies.
Feeding
The Yellowlined Cardinalfish, Ostorhinchus chrysotaenia, is a carnivore with a diet primarily consisting of zooplankton. This includes small invertebrates, such as copepods, amphipods, and brine shrimp, and occasionally krill. This fish may also consume a variety of frozen foods, such as small fish, and even live food like Mysis. In captive environments, they have been known to readily accept a range of prepared foods, demonstrating their adaptability to various food sources.
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