Myripristis kuntee, commonly known as the shoulderbar soldierfish or pearly soldierfish, is a species of fish in the family Holocentridae.[2][3] It is found over a wide area the Indo-Pacific and is common in some places.[1][4]
Description
Myripristis kuntee has a V-shaped tail fin.[5] It has a red upper body and a silvery-pink lower body, with a reddish-brown bar behind its head.[4] Females, compared with males, have broader jaws and larger eyes.[4] This species can grow up to 26 cm (10 in) in length, approximately the size of a dinner plate.[4] Its diet mainly consists of shrimp, crabs, krill, Artemia, and other fish.[4]
Distribution and habitat
Myripristis kuntee can be found across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and South Africa east to French Polynesia and the Hawaiian Islands.[4] This species thrives in darkness; it finds refuge in caves and crevices around reefs during the day.[6] At night, it comes out of hiding and searches for food.[6]
Behavior and sensory adaptations
Myripristis kuntee's eyes have adapted to dark environments.[6] Its eyes contain four layers of light-sensitive rods.[6] Each layer enhances the eyes' capability to capture light in dark environments.[6] When spooked by large predators or by divers, it produces sounds similar to grunting or knocking noises.[5]
References
- 1 2 Williams, I.; Greenfield, D. (2016). "Myripristis kuntee". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016 e.T67871020A67871830. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T67871020A67871830.en.
- ↑ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Myripristis kuntee". FishBase. February 2007 version.
- ↑ Bailly N (ed.). "Myripristis kuntee Valenciennes, 1831". FishBase. World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 2026-08-06.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Myripristis kuntee (Shoulderbar soldierfish)". Reef App. Retrieved 2026-08-06.
- 1 2 Mejellano, Jonalyn; Gerly, Faith; Macaludas; Laco, Jennifer; Balunto, Eliazar; Torres, Mark Anthony; Torres, Josselyn; Requieron, Elani (2015-01-01). "Morphological variations of epaulette soldierfish, Myripristis kuntee in Tuka Bay, Kiamba, Sarangani Province". Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. 7 (6): 293–299.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Banse, Marine; Hanssen, Noémie; Sabbe, Justine; Lecchini, David; Donaldson, Terry J.; Iwankow, Guillaume; Lagant, Anthony; Parmentier, Eric (2024-11-21). "Same calls, different meanings: Acoustic communication of Holocentridae". PLOS ONE. 19 (11) e0312191. Bibcode:2024PLoSO..1912191B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0312191. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 11581312. PMID 39570950.
External links
- Photos of Myripristis kuntee in the Sealife Collection
Media related to Myripristis kuntee at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Myripristis kuntee at Wikispecies
