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Tail-eye cardinalfish

Ostorhinchus ocellicaudus

Tail-eye cardinalfish© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Tail‑eye cardinalfish (Ostorhinchus ocellicaudus) is a tiny nocturnal reef fish, reaching only about 5 cm in length. It is prized by aquarium enthusiasts but is rarely targeted by anglers due to its small size and limited culinary value.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Apogonidae

Max Size

5 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

15-30m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round in tropical waters, with a slight increase in activity during the warm summer months (June‑August).

Best Time

Dawn and dusk, when the fish emerge from reef shelters to feed.

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Tail-eye cardinalfish

  • Use a 4‑5 ft ultralight spinning rod with 2‑4 lb test line to keep the presentation delicate.
  • Tackle tiny live baits such as shrimp or copepods, or employ micro jigs tipped with a few grains of soft plastic.
  • Target reef ledges, overhangs, and lagoon walls where the fish hide during daylight.
  • Retrieve the lure slowly with occasional pauses to mimic the natural movement of their prey.

Top Fishing Locations for Tail-eye cardinalfish

intermediate75% Very Common

Renowned dive and fishing site around the southern reefs of Christmas Island where Tail‑eye cardinalfish congregate around steep drop‑offs.

Best: Nov–Mar

Ari Atoll

Maldives
beginner65% Common

Popular atoll with abundant coral heads; night lights attract Tail‑eye cardinalfish making it a top spot for reef anglers.

Best: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Philippines
expert45% Occasional

World‑heritage marine park with pristine walls; the species is found in deep reef channels during peak currents.

Best: Mar–May, Oct–Dec

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate55% Common

Remote island on the outer GBR where Tail‑eye cardinalfish hide among branching corals on the lagoon side.

Best: Jun–Aug

Rock Islands

Palau
intermediate50% Common

Cluster of limestone islands with deep passages; night fishing yields good catches of the cardinalfish.

Best: May–Sep

Aldabra Atoll

Seychelles
expert35% Occasional

Isolated atoll with extensive coral flats; the species is seasonal but abundant during upwelling periods.

Best: Apr–Jun, Oct–Nov

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Tail-eye cardinalfish

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 4‑5 ft, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs, tiny soft plastics, or small surface flies
TechniqueLight jigging or micro‑float fishing near reef structure

Best bait: Live shrimp, copepods, or diced krill