Species guide
How to catch Black cardinalfish
Apogonichthyoides melas
saltwaterApogonidae
The Black cardinalfish is a small nocturnal fish found in shallow rocky and coral habitats. It has a short, deep body and is known for hunting small crustaceans at night. This peaceful species is not targeted as game fish due to its small size.
Where they live
Found in shallow inshore rocky areas and branching coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Typically stays between 1 to 15 meters deep.
Typical size
Up to about 10 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
Best baits
- small shrimp
- minced fish
Best lures
- small soft plastics
- micro jigs
How to fish for them
- light tackle fishing
- night fishing near reefs
Track every Black cardinalfish you catch.
Bobbr turns each catch into a species collection, quests, and streaks. We're building it now — join the iOS waitlist for $19 lifetime founding access.
Claim founding access