Tailspot Cardinalfish

This species is distinguished by having D VII-I,9; A II,8; pectoral rays 14; lateral line scales 24; predorsal scales 5; gill rakers 3+15 (rarely14), excluding 2-3 rudiments on upper limb; preopercular margin serrate; preopercular ridge very weakly serrate around angle; body depth 2.9-3.4 in SL; semi-transparent in life with blackish tripe on snout and prominent ocellated black spot covering most of the caudal-fin base (Ref. 11893).

Mouthbrooders (Ref. 240). Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning (Ref. 205).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 24

Occurs on sand or rubble slopes. Seen during the day around ledges at the base of large coral formations. In pairs or groups (Ref 90102).