Tiger Cardinalfish

Cheilodipterus macrodon

Tiger Cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus macrodon) is a nocturnal reef-cardinalfish from Indo-Pacific coral habitats. It shelters by day in caves and ledges, then feeds at night on small crustaceans and fishes. It is not a common angling target.

Saltwater

Tiger Cardinalfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Slender cardinalfish with a silvery to pale body marked by broad dark vertical bars or stripes
Large eye and relatively big mouth for its size, giving a predatory look
Long, low second dorsal and anal fins typical of cardinalfishes; often seen hovering head-up near reef shelter

Habitat

Coral reefs, lagoon drop-offs, and sheltered rocky or rubble areas, usually close to caves, ledges, and branching corals where it can hide during daylight.

Bait notes

Rarely targeted as a game fish. If encountered, tiny live shrimp, mysid shrimp, or small strips of fish work better than large baits; small soft plastics or micro-jigs can also trigger bites.

Behavior

Mostly nocturnal; forms loose sheltering groups in reef crevices by day and emerges at dusk to ambush zooplankton, shrimps, and small fishes. It is cryptic and quick to retreat into cover when disturbed.

Caution

None notable; not a typical food or sport species, and local reef-fish rules may restrict harvest in some areas.

Fishing notes

Fish at night or near dusk around reef edges and holes with very light tackle, small hooks, and minimal weight. Present baits close to structure and be ready for immediate sheltering runs back into cover.