These small, reddish fishes are abundant on the reef but not readily seen because they drift well to the rear of caves and crevices and do not emerge until dusk. Cardinalfishes are a diverse group of small (less 5 in total length), stout, toothy reef fishes, with big eyes and mouths. They are reclusive by day but commonly seen while diving at night.
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Whitestar
cardinalfish
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Groups of several species may share the same shelter. Whitestar Cardinalfish (Apogon lachneri) has a black mark at base of 2nd dorsal followed by a bright white spot to rear of dorsal.
Jaws, vomer, and palatine have narrow bands of villiform teeth. Peopercular ridge is smooth, and posterior margin of preopercular is serrated and rounded at angle, with fleshy posteroventral process not extending beyond its serrated margin. Habitat of Whitestar Cardinalfish is in caves, under ledges.
Whitestar cardinalfish
