Apogonichthyoides
Apogonichthyoides is a genus of cardinalfishes, a group of small, colorful fish found in tropical and subtropical marine waters worldwide. These fish are characterized by their elongated bodies, large eyes, and relatively small mouths. The genus is monotypic, meaning it contains only one species, Apogonichthyoides phillipsi, which is commonly known as the Philippine cardinalfish.
Common Names
The Philippine cardinalfish is also known as the "Phillips' cardinalfish" in honor of its discoverer, John Phillips.
Characteristics
Apogonichthyoides phillipsi is a small, slender fish that can reach a maximum length of about 7 centimeters (2.8 inches). It has a distinctive, elongated body shape with a slightly compressed head. Its most striking feature is its vibrant orange-red coloration, which is evenly distributed across its body, fins, and tail. The dorsal fin consists of two parts, with the first part having six spines and the second part having nine soft rays. The anal fin is relatively long, with three spines and nine soft rays. The fish also has a large, dark eye and a small mouth.
Environment
Apogonichthyoides phillipsi is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, primarily in the Philippines. It is a demersal fish, meaning it lives near the bottom of the ocean. This species can be found in shallow coral reefs and rocky areas, often hiding among crevices and under overhangs.