Appearance and lifestyle:
The ring-tailed cardinal (Ostorhinchus aureus) is a small, yellow-copper fish with a large eye outlined by two vivid blue stripes which cross its face horizontally. It has a dark band around its peduncle. When courtship occurs, ring-tail cardinals form pairs. They are mouthbrooders, with the male carrying the fertilized eggs in its mouth until they hatch. Although small, they are proficient predators, using caves to hide during the day and hunting under the cover of darkness.
Habitat:
They form small schools near to coral and rock outcrops, often sharing dark hiding spots. Ring-tail cardinals are a widespread species, ranging from South Africa and the East African coast to Japan and Australia.
Diet:
They feed on small crustaceans and plankton.
Threat:
Pollution, climate change, habitat loss etc.