Deepwater Cardinalfish

Body shape similar to chielodipterid fishes, but differs in having 7 spines in the 1st dorsal fin (versus 6 in chielodipterids). Sharp canine teeth present on both jaws. A dark-brown longitudinal stripe runs under the lateral line of midbody but is indistinct at the caudal base.

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

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8

This species is rare in collections because of its deep-water habitat (150-276 m) (Ref. 58472). Solitary, but sometimes seen in pairs or in groups of 3 to 7 fish (Ref. 58472).

Inhabits reef slopes in 70-150 m (Ref. 90102).

fisheries: commercial