Common names: cardinalfish (English), cardenal (Espanol)
 
Apogon atradorsatus Heller & Snodgrass, 1903


Blacktip cardinalfish



Body oblong, compressed; head large, snout short; eye large; teeth small, no canines, usually present on center and sides of roof of mouth; gill rakers (including rudiments) 5 + 13-14; preopercle serrated, lower membranous flap not extending beyond edge of preoperculum; dorsal rays VI + I, 9; anal rays II, 8; pectoral rays 12; tail fin moderately concave; body scales rough; last few scales on tail fin; a row of scales along center of nape; lateral line complete, extends onto base of tail fin; lateral-line scales 24-26.  


Generally dusky brownish red except yellow orange on belly region and lower half of head; outer half of second dorsal fin with prominent black blotch; tail lobes with black tips.


Size: grows to at least 13 cm.

Inhabits rocky reefs.

Depth: 3-45 m.

Galapagos, Cocos and Malpelo Islands; vagrant at Gorgona Is.