Family : Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes) , subfamily: Apogoninae
Order : Perciformes  (perch-likes)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Five-lined cardinalfish
Fish Name : Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus
Max size : 13.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 2158)
Environment : reef-associated ; depth range 0 - 40 m
Climate : tropical; 30°N - 32°S
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to Mozambique (Ref. 4329) and eastward to the Pitcairn Group, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island and Rapa.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 8-8
Biology : Inhabits reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of 40 m or more. Occurs singly or in small to large aggregations, taking shelter in dark crevices, branched coral, under ledges, and among the spines of Diadema setosum. Nocturnal species (Ref. 7300). Feeds on small crustaceans and gastropods, also on small fishes. Generally common (Ref. 9710). Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35404)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator :
Main Ref : Gon, O.. 1993. (Ref. 8525)

India country information
Common Names : പൂത്തന് ചാള, പൂതാനചാള , Poothanachala, Rung-bodi
Status : native
Salinity : marine
Uses : no uses