Cardinalfishes

Threadfin cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacantha)

The Threadfin cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacantha) 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 schools. It reaches about 5 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Not Evaluated. It is not dangerous to divers.

Threadfin cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacantha), a Red Sea fish of the cardinalfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameZoramia leptacantha
FamilyCardinalfishes (Apogonidae)
Common name (IT)Apogon filamenti
Common name (EN)Threadfin cardinalfish
Maximum size5 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusNE — Not Evaluated

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 Threadfin cardinalfish belong to?
The Threadfin cardinalfish (Zoramia leptacantha) belongs to the family Apogonidae (cardinalfishes).
Is the Threadfin cardinalfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Threadfin 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 Threadfin cardinalfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 5 cm.

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