Maldives Marine Life

Marine life of Maldivian waters

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Short-tooth cardinal
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Illustration
Illustration: Homefront / Abacus AI, © Homefront AuctionsOriginal illustration based on published descriptions

Short-tooth cardinal

Ostorhinchus apogonoides

Valid name (FishBase; confirmed in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes and WoRMS, October 2026).

English
Short-tooth cardinal
Scientific
Ostorhinchus apogonoides
Dhivehi
Boadhi
Group
Reef fish
Family
Apogonidae (cardinalfishes)
Maximum size
Up to about 10 cm (total length); commonly 8 cm
Depth and habitat
Coral reefs and reef-associated habitats, recorded from 3 to 60 m (usually 10 to 34 m)
IUCN status
LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2021

Description

A cardinalfish reaching about 10 cm, found in pairs or small groups on sheltered and outer reefs, often near rocky cliffs.

Sources

  • fishbase.se /summary/Ostorhinchus-apogonoides.html
  • fishbase.se /comnames/CommonNamesList.php?ID=10294&GenusName=Ostorhinchus&SpeciesN

Dhivehi name source: FishBase common names (country: Maldives) give 'Boadhi' (Latin script). FishBase also lists 'Bodi' under India (Minicoy/Lakshadweep Mahl dialect); not used. FLAG: single source. FLAG: generic name for the group, not species-specific.