Myripristis pralinia Cuvier, 1829
Scarlet soldierfish
Myripristis pralinia
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 MangarĂ©va 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


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