Epaulette soldierfish Myripristis kuntee

Category
  • Fringing Reef
Tags
  • Soldierfish
  • Squirrelfish
  • Fauna
  • Lagoon coral patches

Description

Myripristis kuntee, of the order of Beryciformes (Sawbellies) and family of Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes) is commonly known as the Shoulderbar Soldierfish, Epaulette Soldierfish, Pearly Soldierfish. The dorsal part of the body is red, grading into silvery pink below. There is a reddish-brown bar from the upper end of the gill opening to the base of pectoral fins. The fins are red except for spinous the dorsal one which is translucent. It has a total of 11 dorsal spines, 15 to 17 dorsal soft rays, 4 anal spines and 14 to 16 anal soft rays[1].

 

[1] ‘Myripristis Kuntee Summary Page’.

Habitat and ecology

This species is present across the Indo-Pacific region. The recorded depth range is between 2 to 65m. It inhabits subtidal reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs. It can occur in large group and seeks for shelter during the day

 

Conservation and management

According to the IUCN Red list, this species is categorised as being of ‘Least Concern’. No conservation measures are in place for this species. It is present in many MPAs though[1].

 

[1] ‘Myripristis Kuntee’.

Did you know?

This species can reach a maximum recorded length of 26cm.

Other Ecosystems