• EnglishName: Gelatinous cardinalfish
  • Local Name : Ilolhi boadhi
  • Size : Common to 6 cm; max. 10 cm
  • Family: Order : Specimen
  • Distinctive Characters: First dorsal fin with 6 spines, second dorsal fin with 1 spine and 8 rays. Anal fin with 2 spines and 8-9 rays. Pectoral fin with 15-17 (usually 16) rays. Body depth 4.0-4.8 in standard length. Body elongate, caudal fin large and rounded. Juveniles with strong triangular spinules around angle of Preopercle that becomes undulate to smooth in adults.
    Colour: Translucent with light golden to silvery sheen, numerous tiny black spots arranged in longitudinal rows. Caudal fin blackish.
  • Habitat and Biology: Usually found in caves, hence is seldom seen by day. Found in deep coral thickets to depth of 40 m, usually in sheltered areas.
  • Distribution: Indo-Pacific
  • Remarks: Pseudamia gelatinosa may be common in the Maldives, but its cryptic habits mean that it is
    almost never seen. Not found in daytime livebait catches.
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Biodiversity of Maldives
Biodiversity of Maldives