King soldierbream
📖 Overview
Found in a wide range of bottoms. Young fish occur in very shallow waters of sheltered bays; larger individuals in deeper water. Feed on benthic invertebrates, mainly mollusks . Important food fish.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8; Vertebrae: 24. This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following set of characters: body deep and becoming compressed and less deep with growth; D XII,10, the first 2 dorsal-fin spines rudimentary (2 dorsal-fin spines on first dorsal pterygiophore); the dorsal-fin with two morpho types of configuration (Type I 'rigid type', fragile] as a rigid tapering spine and Type II ['flexible type', comparatively robust] as a flexible tapering spine in Group A - Red Sea, Group B - Gulf of Aden and eastern coast of Africa, and Group C - Persian Gulf, only Type II, is seen in both Group D - Madagascar to Sri Lanka and Group E - Eastern Indian Ocean, each Group is allopatric and is likely to have similar genetic structure (not analyzed in Group D or E). Colouration: body uniform pink with belly and lower jaw silvery, head red; spinous dorsal fin pink or red, other fins pink or pale pink; with pink tinge around eye; upper jaw often pinkish; anterior and posterior margins of the upper cheek scales nearly parallel just below rear edge of eye; orbit diameter is clearly less than suborbital depth .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for King soldierbream is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 450 m , usually 5 - 100 m . Tropical; 34°N - 28°S Indian Ocean: including the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, to Singapore and southernmost end of the Malay Peninsula.
🌿 Ecology
benthic invertebrates, mainly mollusks (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"King soldierbream is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.8 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 234 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for King soldierbream has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (lean white fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calamus ciliaris | von Bonde | 1923 | Heterotypic |
| Pagrus ciliaris | von Bonde | 1923 | Synonym |
| Pagrus longifilis | Valenciennes | 1830 | Synonym |
| Pagrus ruber | Boulenger | 1888 | Synonym |
| Sparus spinifer | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 32 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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