Scientific Name
Cheilodipterus novemstriatus
Common Name
Indian Ocean twospot cardinalfish
Biology
Color in life silvery gray with 4 black stripes. 5th stripe runs along anal-fin base, continues anteriorly to pelvic-fin base, at which point it curves upward to reach in front of pectoral-fin base. The part of this stripe anterior to anal-fin base is often indistinct. A black oval spot at middle of caudal peduncle encircled by a yellow area. A distinct black spot on dorsal surface of caudal peduncle. Area between yellow pigment and this spot appears as distinct white mark. Fins pale (Ref 8525).