Author: (Linnaeus, 1758)
FBname: Cardinal fish
Comments: Occasionally forms schools; sometimes solitary.  Inhabits muddy or rocky bottoms and caves (Ref. 4738). A sciaphilous species thriving in a number of shady/dark habitats and frequents marine caves, where it forms large schools (Ref. 118281).  Feeds on small invertebrates and fishes (Ref. 4738). Observed to feed in the water column and just over the bottom, always at night; 93.4% of observed events occurring outside the caves, usually on rocky bottoms and <i>Posidonia oceanica</i> meadows, and to a lesser extent on pebbles (Ref. 118281). Oral brooding by males (Ref. 4738).