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Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

FISHES

Reproduction First dorsal fin with 8 spines Black “eye-spot”
Common name: Pharaoh cardinalfish

identification

Scientific Name:
Apogonichthyoides pharaonis
Picture

Remarks on systematic
determination

According to Gon and Randall (2003), the species Brief history Tail fin square
formerly known in the Mediterranean as Apogon
nigripinnis should be referred to as
Apogonichthyoides pharaonis (common synonym
Apogon pharaonis); Apogonichthyoides nigripinnis is
restricted to the eastern Indian and western Pacific The body is crossed by three vertical black bars on a
Oceans. According to FishBase only A. nigripinnis grey-brown background, one below each dorsal fin
migrated to the Mediterranean through the Suez and the last on the narrowest part of the fish’s body
Canal, and A. pharaonis is not regarded as a migrant where the tail fin is attached.
through the Suez Canal. However, we follow Zenetos A characteristic black ‘eye-spot’ encircled by a yellow
et al. (2010) in considering only A. pharaonis to be a ring is present on the flank within the first bar. The
non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean. leading edge of the first dorsal fin is dark and that of

The systematics of the Apogonidae is rather complex the pelvic fins is white.
and accurate identification of the different species
has to be done by a specialist in this group. These Field identification signs and habitat
difficulties have resulted in several misidentifications
The adults occur inshore and on deep offshore reefs.
in the literature. Consequently, all field observations
It is a nocturnal species, like Apogon imberbis.
of Apogonidae individuals must be checked by a
During the day it is found among seagrasses or
specialist in this group to identify the species.
close to or inside small caves.
Key identifying features
The body is oblong and compressed, up to 10 cm in
length (commonly 7–8 cm). Two distinct dorsal fins
are present; in the first dorsal fin (8 spines) the two
first spines are very short and the third is the longest.
The second dorsal fin (1 spine, 8–9 soft rays) lies
directly above the anal fin (2 spines, 7–8 soft rays).
The tail fin is square and the pelvic fins (1 spine, 5
soft rays) begin below the base of the pectoral fins
(15–16 soft rays).

The mouth is large and oblique with teeth present in
the jaws and on the vomer (a median bone in the roof
of the mouth) and palatine bones (also in the roof of
the mouth). The eye is large and the pre-operculum
(area just anterior to the gill) has a smooth ridge and
a serrated edge. A single spine projecting from the
operculum is present at the level of centre of eye. Apogon pharaonis. Photo: M. Draman

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