Deepwater soldierfish
📖 Overview
Deepwater soldierfish (Ostichthys kaianus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Holocentridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 36 cm. It occurs at depths between 180 and 640 metres. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished by the following characters: 2½ scales above lateral line to midbase of spinous portion of dorsal fin; anal fin origin beneath spinous portion of dorsal fin; upper procurrent spiniform caudal-fin rays 4 and lower 3; no half scale anterior to the first lateral-line scale; pectoral-fin rays 15-17 (usually 16); lateral-line scales 28-30 (usually 28, rarely 30); dorsal profile of head slightly convex; gill rakers 7-9 + 14-16; the last dorsal-fin spine is about equal in length to penultimate spine; space between last dorsal-fin spine and first dorsal-fin ray about half as broad as space between last two dorsal-fin spines; depth of body 2.05-2.2 in SL; head length 2.15-2.4 in SL; snout short, 4.2-4.9 in HL; least depth of caudal peduncle 3.8-4.6 in HL; colour when fresh is reddish with a series of relatively narrow silvery white dashes (middle of each scale has a horizontal streak nearly full-width of scale), forming whitish stripes on body .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Deepwater soldierfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Deepwater soldierfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Deepwater soldierfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 180 - 640 m . Deep-water north to the South China Sea and Ryukyu Islands of Japan, east to Samoa.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Deepwater soldierfish 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 | 17.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 368 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Deepwater soldierfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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