How to Identify Shadowfin Soldierfish

To identify Shadowfin Soldierfish (Myripristis adusta), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The body is generally reddish-orange to silvery-pink, often with a darker reddish hue dorsally. The most striking feature is the prominent black blotch on the spinous dorsal fin, the tips of the soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, and the pectoral fin axil. The opercular membrane is typically dark.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large eyes, characteristic of nocturnal species., A prominent black blotch on the spinous dorsal fin., Dark tips on the soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins., Dark axil (inner base) of the pectoral fin., Rough, ctenoid scales.

Dorsal fin

Dorsal fin deeply notched, with X-XI spines followed by 13-15 soft rays. The spinous portion has a distinct black blotch.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with dark tips on the lobes.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively long, with 15-16 rays. The axil is dark.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins with I spine and 7 soft rays. Anal fin with IV spines and 11-13 soft rays, with dark tips.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Fin Coloration

   Look for the distinctive black blotch on the spinous dorsal fin and the dark tips on the soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. This is a key identifier.

2. 2

   Pectoral Fin Axil

   The dark coloration in the 'armpit' area of the pectoral fin is another reliable distinguishing mark.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Eye Size

   Its robust, compressed body and very large eyes are typical of soldierfish, but the specific fin markings differentiate it from other Myripristis species.

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