Myripristis pralinia Cuvier, 1829 Scarlet soldierfish |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae | |||
Max. size: | 20 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 50 m | |||
Distribution: | Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesas and Mangaréva Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia. Marshall and Mariana Islands in Micronesia. | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-17; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 13-15. Scarlet in color; no pigment on median fins but may have a small black spot at base of soft dorsal fin and some dusky pigment at leading edges of median fins (Ref. 11228). Scales small (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by dark brown upper opercular membrane; fourth anal spine longer than third; axil of pectoral fins without scales; depth of body 2.2-2.7 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
Biology: | A nocturnal species found in small, loose groups in caves or under ledges of reef flats, lagoons, and outer reef slopes. Feeds on plankton such as crab larvae (Ref. 12419). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless | |||
Country info: |
|