Sphaeramia nematoptera

Pajama cardinalfish | Polka dot Cardinalfish | Pyjama Cardinal | Pyjama Cardinalfish
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera, adult, Photo: Rick Stuart-Smith
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Photo: Andrew Green
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera, Dugong Is, Great Barrier Reef, QLD, Photo: Andrew Green
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera, adult, Sulawesi, Indonesia, Photo: Ian Shaw
1 / 4
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Sphaeramia nematoptera

Distribution

Tropical Indo-Pacific


Description

Distinctive pattern of black band dividing yellow head from spots on rear of body. Individuals or loose groups hover close to coral cover in sheltered locations.


Information

Max Size: 9 cm

Sea Temperature Range: 28.9-31.1°C

Depth: 1-14m

Habitat Generalization Index: N/A

Also referred to as the SGI (Species Generalisation Index), this describes the habitat niche breadth of the species. Species with values less than 15 are found in a relatively narrow range of reef habitat types (specialists), while those over 25 may be found on most hard substrates within their range (generalists). Learn more here.


Conservation and Rarity

IUCN Status: Not Evaluated

Occurrence: Frequent (10.1% of sites)

Occurrence describes how often the species is found on surveys within its distribution. It is calculated as the % of reef sites surveyed by RLS divers across all the ecoregions in which the species has been observed

Abundance: Many (15 per transect)

Abundance is calculated as the average number of individuals recorded per RLS transect, where present.


Edit by: RD Stuart-Smith, GJ Edgar, AJ Green, IV Shaw. 2015. Tropical Marine Fishes of Australia. Reed New Holland