What Divers Should Know About
Cardinalfishes

Often overlooked during the day, cardinalfishes are a fascinating family of fish found throughout tropical and subtropical oceans. With approximately 370 species within the Apogonidae family, these small, often brightly coloured fish rarely exceed 10 cm (4 inches) in length. Their distinctive features include noticeably large mouths and two separate dorsal fins.

Divers typically encounter cardinalfishes inhabiting the intricate structures of coral reefs and lagoons. These are chiefly nocturnal creatures, so during daylight hours, you'll find them schooling or singly tucked away deep within dark crevices and under ledges of the reef. A remarkable aspect of their reproductive biology is paternal mouthbrooding, where males incubate the eggs within their large mouths, abstaining from feeding during this critical period.