Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus, of the order of Perciformes and family of Apogonidae (Cardinal fishes) is commonly known as the Five-lined cardinalfish. This species is distinguished by its dorsal fin rays, anal fin rays, pelvic fin rays. It has large canine like teeth in its jaws. The species has a pale grey to white body colour with 5 thin black stripes. The base of the caudal fin is yellow. It has a total of 7 dorsal spines, 9 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines and 8 anal soft rays. This species can reach a maximum of 18cm.
This species is present across the Indo-Pacific ocean, from the Red Sea to Mozambique and eastward to the Pitcairn Islands, North to Southern Japan, South to Lord Howe Island and Rapa. It can be found in reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs. It can be solitary or in large group, finding shelter in caves, crevices and branched corals. It is a nocturnal feeder, it’s diet consists of crustaceans, gastropods and small fishes.
The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated[1].
This species often finds shelter amongst the long, hollow spines of Diadema setosum, a sea urchin.