Ostichthys kinchi Fricke, 2017
New Ireland soldierfish

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae
Max. size:  18.27 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 191 - 290 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 11-11. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 3 1/2 scales above lateral line to mid-base of spinous portion of dorsal fin; without half-scale on anterior to first lateral-line scale; head's dorsal profile nearly uniformly convex; in large specimen, anterior end of each nasal bone without sharp, forwardly directed spines; corner of preopercle with a small spine which is only slightly larger than other serrations; pectoral-fin rays 17; lateral-line scales 28; gill rakers 7 + 9 ; last dorsal-fin spine is slightly longer than penultimate spine; body depth 2.1 in SL; head length (HL) 2.4 in SL; very short snout, 6.5 in HL; least depth of caudal peduncle 4.8 in HL (Ref. 116609).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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