Red Sea soldierfish
📖 Overview
Red Sea soldierfish (Ostichthys sufensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Holocentridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 15.1 cm. It occurs at depths between 250 and 300 metres. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 3½ scale rows above lateral line to base of middle dorsal-fin spines; spineless at anterior end of nasal bones of adults or subadults; 28 lateral-line scales; D XII,13; last two dorsal-fin spines subequal; pectoral-fin rays 15; height of second suborbital bone below center of eye about 1/3 of eye diameter; median prepelvic scales 14; gill rakers 7 + 13; snout length 4.85-5.0 in HL; anterior ends of palatine tooth patches reach level of center of vomerine tooth patch; dorsal profile of head nearly straight, becoming slightly convex on nape; depth of body 2.2 in SL; head length 2.1-2.3 in SL; least depth of caudal peduncle 4.59-4.85 in HL; colour when fresh is light red, each scale on body with a silvery white dash, forming longitudinal white broken lines .: short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Red Sea soldierfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 250 - 300 m . Tropical Indian Ocean: Red Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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