Pearlycheek Cardinalfish

This species is distinguished by the following characters: blackish-tipped first-dorsal fin; brownish bars on body absent, faint darker basicaudal mark in adults; a darkish mid-postocular mark just posterior of preopercular edge; 16 pectoral-fin rays without small darkish spot above axil; 10 soft dorsal-fin rays; 9 soft anal fin rays (Ref. 83499).

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

Dorsal spines (total): 9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 9; Vertebrae: 24

Nocturnal species; occurs inshore (Ref. 7300).