Cardinalfishes
Narrowstripe cardinalfish (Pristiapogon exostigma)
The Narrowstripe cardinalfish (Pristiapogon exostigma) belongs to the family Apogonidae (cardinalfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 9 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Pristiapogon exostigma |
|---|---|
| Family | Cardinalfishes (Apogonidae) |
| Common name (IT) | Apogon macchia esterna |
| Common name (EN) | Narrowstripe cardinalfish |
| Maximum size | 9 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — Least Concern |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Indo-Pacific
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Narrowstripe cardinalfish belong to?
- The Narrowstripe cardinalfish (Pristiapogon exostigma) belongs to the family Apogonidae (cardinalfishes).
- Is the Narrowstripe cardinalfish dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Narrowstripe cardinalfish endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Narrowstripe cardinalfish get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 9 cm.
Explore the Narrowstripe cardinalfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →