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A school of Banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni, in Lembeh Strait off Sulawesi, Indonesia. (Matthew Oldfield)
The beautiful Banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni, typically forms dense schools. As they swim together, the markings on each fish make them disappear into a mass of stripes and dots, confusing any predators trying to pick out an individual.
The distinctive color pattern includes three black bars across the head and body, and a series of white spots along the edges of the second dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The body is silvery with about 20 brilliant whitish dots between the second and third black bars. Each fish’s dots can be used for specimen identification.
The species was originally only found around the Banggai Islands. However, due to its popularity in the aquarium business, it has been introduced into several other areas, including the Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi.
Although these fish are bred in captivity to meet the demand for the aquarium trade, wild fish are still being collected and the species is endangered.
Banggai cardinalfish are paternal mouthbrooders—the male incubates the eggs and guards hatchlings from predation by protecting them inside his mouth cavity.
The Lembeh Strait is famous for its unusually high marine biodiversity, particularly of unusual animals that live on the exposed sand areas.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
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