Blackbelted cardinalfish

Overview

Taeniamia zosterophora, the girdled cardinalfish, is a species of cardinalfish native to the western Pacific Ocean from Indonesia to Vanuatu and from the Ryukyus to Australia. It is in the genus Taeniamia, which was described in 2013. This species can be found on reefs in protected bays and lagoons, occurring in dense schools around and among the branches of various species of branching corals, notably Porites cylindrica and species of Acropora and over sandy patches. It is found at depths from 1 to 40 m. This species can reach a total length of 8 cm (3.1 in). It can be distinguished by two narrow vertical red stripes next to its gills and by a distinct small black dot at the base of its tail. It occasionallyis found in the aquarium trade.

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