How to Identify Bigscale Soldierfish

To identify Bigscale Soldierfish (Myripristis berndti), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Overall reddish-orange to pinkish-red, often with silvery reflections on the flanks. The fins are typically reddish, sometimes with white margins. A distinctive dark blotch is often present on the operculum (gill cover) and at the base of the pectoral fin. The iris of the eye is usually red.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, prominent eyes adapted for nocturnal vision., Relatively large, ctenoid scales., A dark blotch on the operculum and at the pectoral fin base., Deep body, laterally compressed.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, deeply notched, with 10-11 spines followed by 13-15 soft rays. The spinous portion is typically higher than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are moderately long, with 15-16 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 4 spines and 11-13 soft rays. Pelvic fins with 1 spine and 7 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in total length, though commonly observed around 20-25 cm.

2. 2

   Coloration

   The reddish-orange body with silvery reflections and the prominent dark blotch on the operculum and pectoral fin base are key identifiers.

3. 3

   Eyes

   Its very large, red-irised eyes are characteristic of nocturnal species and a good distinguishing feature.

4. 4

   Scales

   The relatively large scales are noticeable and contribute to its common name, 'Bigscale Soldierfish'.

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