Myripristis leiognathus Valenciennes, 1846
Panamic soldierfish
Myripristis leiognathus
photo by Munson, L.

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae
Max. size:  18 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 24 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands. Also found in the Revillagigedo and Cocos islands (Ref. 36626).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-15; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 11-13; Vertebrae: 26-26. Branchiostegal rays: 8-8 (Ref. 36626).
Biology:  Adults hide under conspicuous rocks and small caves during the day. Form small groups on rocky and occasionally soft substrates or near the surface at night. Feed principally on crustaceans. Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36626). Appear occasionally in markets and marketed fresh.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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