ANIMAL SPECIES:Bigscale Soldierfish, Myripristis berndti Jordan & Evermann, 1903
The Bigscale Soldierfish occurs on coral reefs and can be recognised by its colouration. During the day it is usually seen in caves and under ledges.
Identification
The Bigscale Soldierfish can be recognised by its colouration. The scales are silver-pink to pale yellow with red edges. The spiny dorsal fin is orange to yellow on the outer portion and red basally. All the other fins are red, with a white margin and often with a dark submarginal streak. The opercular membrane and naked area above the pectoral fin are dark brown to black.
Size range
The Bigscale Soldierfish grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
The species is widely distributed throughout tropical, marine waters of the Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific.
In Australia it is recorded from north-western Western Australia, around the tropical north and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Bigscale Soldierfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Habitat
It occurs on coral reefs. During the day it is usually seen in caves and under ledges.
Classification
- Species:
- berndti
- Genus:
- Myripristis
- Family:
- Holocentridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
- Randall, J.E & D.W. Greenfield, 1996. Revision of the Indo-Pacific Holocentrid Fishes of the Genus Myripristis, with descriptions of three new species. Indo-Pacific Fishes 25: 1-61, pls i-ix.
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A Bigscale Soldierfish at Bougainville Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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