Diving with Cardinalfishes

Lanta Marine Life | Apogonidae

Cardinalfish are a large family of generally small fish, with almost 350 known species, some of which can be seen on Koh Lanta diving trips.

The length of most species is in the 4 - 17 cm range, though typically most individuals are less than 10 cm.

Cardinal fish have large eyes, large mouths, and the dorsal fin is divided into two separate fins with short bases. The lower jaw is often protruding and the tail fin can be either rounded or forked.

This family of fish have very variable colours and patterns, and are often shades of yellow, red, brown or black. Many species are lightly coloured, with a pattern of stripes, spots or dark bars.

Most species of cardinalfishes are nocturnal, territorial fish. They mostly remain hidden during the day amoungst coral and in caves, crevices, and under ledges. Usually returning to the same 'home' resting spot each day, they feed on a variety of zooplankton and small invertebrates.

Cardinalfish are paternal mouthbrooders - the males will incubate the developing eggs inside their mouths until the larvae hatch.

1 species found on this page:

Intermediate Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus intermedius)

Intermediate Cardinalfish

(Cheilodipterus intermedius)

Cheilodipterus intermedius @ Koh Haa

The Intermediate Cardinalfish has a pale body with 8 dark reddish brownish, narrow horizontal stripes. The tail base is white. There is no spot on the tail base and the head does not have any yellowish colouring.

Juveniles and sub-adults may have a large yellow area on the tail base with a small black spot in its center.

The Intermediate Cardinalfish grows to 11 cm. This species can be solitary or form small groups.