Vermilion soldierfish
📖 Overview
Vermilion soldierfish (Ostichthys sandix) 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 19.2 cm. It occurs at depths between 320 and 400 metres. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 3½ scales above lateral line to midbase of spinous portion of dorsal fin; spineless at the anterior end of nasal bones of adults or subadults; absence of an enlarged spine at corner of preoperculum; D XII; longest dorsal-fin spine 2.2-2.3 in HL; last two dorsal-fin spines subequal; pectoral-fin rays 16 or 17 (usually 16); 28 lateral-line scales; height of the second suborbital bone is below center of eye 3.7–3.8 in eye diameter; median prepelvic scales 13; gill rakers 7-9 + 15 or 16; least depth of caudal peduncle 4.2-4.45 in HL; dorsal profile of head nearly straight anteriorly, becoming convex on nape; depth of body 2.0-2.1 in SL; head length 2.35-2.5 in SL; snout length 4.65-5.6 in HL; colour when fresh light red .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Vermilion soldierfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 320 - 400 m . Deep-water Central Pacific: Hawaiian Islands, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and French Polynesia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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