Dotted Cardinalfish

Characterized by having dorsal fin rays VII-I, 9; anal fin rays II,8; pectoral fin rays 14; pelvic fin rays I, 5; pored lateral line scales 11; predorsal scales 6; circumpeduncular scales 12;palatine without teeth (Ref. 93839); characterized further by brown to tan color; most of body scales with small black spot except few above lateral line; opercle with pale-edged black spot; dark-edged whitish band from lower eye to cheek; incomplete lateral line with 9-14 tubed scales; greatest depth of body 2.6-3.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

Inhabits coral reefs (Ref. 58534). Found on muddy bottoms (Ref. 637) and near rocky areas (Ref. 559).

Found on muddy bottoms (Ref. 637) and near rocky areas (Ref. 559).