Siphamia mossambica Smith, 1955 Sea urchin cardinal |
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photo by
SFSA |
Family: | Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae | |||
Max. size: | 4 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 26 m | |||
Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: endemic to the area, along the east coast of Africa from Kenya to South Africa, Seychelles, Comoro Islands, Madagascar and Mauritius, | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Body covered with dark dots; 2 dark spots on caudal base. Developed gill rakers 9. | |||
Biology: | Found in tidal pools among spines of sea urchins (Echinotrix diadema and Diadema setosum) (Ref. 90035). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |