Ostorhinchus melanoproctus (Fraser & Randall, 1976)
Blackvent cardinalfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes), subfamily: Apogoninae
Max. size:  4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 50 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Philippines (Ref. 90102), Palau (Ref. 37816), Indonesia (Ref. 47567), Solomon Islands (Ref. 10478) and Papua New Guinea (Ref. 6192).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Description: Characterized by semi-transparent pinkish body color; midlateral stripe red-brown; middle of caudal fin base with reddish spot and prominent white spot above; greatest depth of body 3.0-3.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in aggregations in caves in vertical walls (Ref. 37816). Also found in steep outer reef slopes in 15-50 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 February 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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