Fibramia lateralis (Valenciennes, 1832)
Humpback cardinal
Dangat,  Bagsang,  Tatabig
Fibramia lateralis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  11 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 3 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Tonga, north to Japan; Mariana and Caroline islands in Micronesia; south to Lord Howe Island (Ref. 9710).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8. Description: Deep-bodied, head profile slightly concave; greatest depth of body 2.5-2.7 times in standard length; head 2.6 times in standard length; eye diameter 3.8 times in head length (Ref. 4329, 48635, 90102). Predorsal section of head high, forming a hump above eyes (Ref. 4329). Dorsal fin with 7 spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 8 soft rays; pectoral fin with 14 rays (Ref. 4329). Scales on lateral line 28; predorsal scales 6-7 (Ref. 4329).

Colouration: Silvery (Ref. 48635). A dark narrow line from angle of opercle to a small spot at caudal fin base; front and tip of 1st dorsal fin black in colour (Ref. 4329).

Biology:  A euryhaline species (Ref. 59012), often found in freshwater and estuaries (Ref. 4329), shallow sheltered inshore reefs or river mouths, among clumps of algae or algal covered rubble. Found in aggregations (Ref. 9710).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Museum: Big Lagoon at Miniloc I., near El Nido, spoon net, FRLM 11828. Also Ref. 280, 7050, 11337, 48613. In range Ref. 1602.


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