Marine Biodiversity in Kagoshima

Fish of Kagoshima Vol. 5 Cardinal fishes

Apogon notatus

Apogon cathetogramma

1. Contributor: Gen Kume (Aquatic Sciences)
2. Scientific name: Apogon notatus (Houttuyn, 1782), Apogon cathetogramma (Tanaka, 1917)
3. Characteristics: Cardinal fishes are mainly distributed in rocky or coral reefs across the world. They are abundantly seen in shallow areas of Kagoshima Bay. Apogon notatus is one of the most common apogonids in the bay, and they are living gregariously. Meanwhile, several species like Apogon cathetogramma are living in solitude or mated pairs. Apogonids are known as paternal mouthbrooders, in which males mouthbrood eggs for almost one week without eating ordinary foods until they are hatched. (2015.8.6)