IUCN Species of the Day: Banggai Cardinalfish

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)

Photo credit: Robert Meyers

 

The Banggai Cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni, is classified as ‘ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This species has a very limited range and is only found in a small island chain known as the Banggai Archipelago, in eastern Indonesia.

The Banggai Cardinalfish has a striking black and white colouration and ornate fins, making it a desirable species for aquarium hobbyists. As this popularity increases, so has the demand; the fish are collected all over the archipelago and are then shipped around the world to various aquarium dealers. It is estimated that currently over 9,000 individuals are being taken off reefs and put into the aquarium trade each year.

Currently there are captive breeding programmes to help supply the aquarium industry with non-wild-caught specimens. There are also several organizations that have regulated the trade of this species and who advise responsible aquarists not to purchase wild-caught individuals. Although the aquarium trade has mostly been detrimental to this species, it has also inadvertently expanded its range by introducing the fish to new habitats such as Lembeh, Indonesia.

 

Geographic Range of the Banggai Cardinalfish

Credit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

 

To learn more about the Banggai Cardinalfish, click here. Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.

To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.

 

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