Cardinalfishes

Bridled cardinalfish (Pristiapogon fraenatus)

The Bridled cardinalfish (Pristiapogon fraenatus) 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 in small groups. It reaches about 10 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Bridled cardinalfish (Pristiapogon fraenatus), a Red Sea fish of the cardinalfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePristiapogon fraenatus
FamilyCardinalfishes (Apogonidae)
Common name (IT)Apogon a briglie
Common name (EN)Bridled cardinalfish
Maximum size10 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — 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 Bridled cardinalfish belong to?
The Bridled cardinalfish (Pristiapogon fraenatus) belongs to the family Apogonidae (cardinalfishes).
Is the Bridled cardinalfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Bridled 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 Bridled cardinalfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 10 cm.

Explore the Bridled cardinalfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →