Actinopterygii (Gigaclass) > Actinopteri (Class) > Teleostei (Subclass) > Kurtiformes (Order) > Apogonidae (Family) > Apogoninae (Subfamily) > Ostorhinchus (Genus)

Capricorn cardinalfish, 羊角天竺鯛,

Synonyme
Apogon capricornis (Allen & Randall, 1993)

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Description
Max length: 10 cm TL. Depth range: 2 - 90 m, usually: 10 - 30 m.
The Capricorn Cardinalfish is dusky yellow above and brassy to golden below. It has a black spot on the caudal peduncle and bright blue lines that run from the snout through the eye. The lower line reaches the posterior margin of the operculum.

Etymology
Ostorhinchus: from Greek, osteon = bone + from Greek, rhynchos = beak. In reference to the bony jaws, very much advanced and jagged, which take the place of the teeth.
capricornis: the specific name is from the Latin in reference to the distribution of the species.
Orignal description: Apogon capricornis Allen & Randall, 1993 - Type locality: Outer reef on northern side of One Tree Island, Capricorn Group, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Distribution
Western Pacific: Capricorn Group on the southern Great Barrier Reef and Chesterfield Group in the Coral Sea, and Sydney, New South Wales of Australia and New Caledonia.

Biology
Usually shelters in caves and crevices during the day. Usually active at night, and individuals or small groups emerge at dusk to feed on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton. Mouthbrooders. Distinct pairing during courtship and spawning.

Similar species
Ostorhinchus cladophilos (Allen & Randall, 2002) - Reported from New Caledonia - Link to the species (here).