Author: Fraser & Allen, 2010
FBname: Cryptic cardinalfish
Comments: This species is usually found solitary or in pairs at about 10-40 meters.  It also displays a cryptic behavior, at least during daylight hours, sheltering between rocks and rubble. It has not been observed free swimming, but only when flushed from its lair with the use of clove-oil or rotenone.  Specimens collected were living in a rubble field in sheltered waters at the base of a small islet or were found under rock slabs on a submerged patch reef (several km from shore) with abundant sponges and gorgonians and minimal hard corals.  Some specimens were also collected from a flat sand and shell bottom with abundant <i>Gonipora</i>, some <i>Fungia</i> and considerable macroalgae (Ref. 83499).