Myripristis melanosticta Bleeker, 1863

English Name: Blacktip soldierfish
Family: HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name: Kalhu kothari dhanbodu
Order: Beryciformes
Size: Common to 24 cm; max. 30 cm
Specimen: MRS/0326/88

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Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 10 spines, followed by 1 spine and 13-15 rays. Anal fin with 4 spines and 11-12 (usually 12) rays. Pectoral fin with 14-15 rays. Body depth 2.1-2.5 in standard length. Total gill rakers 32-38. Body oblong. Corner of preopercie without sharp spine. Two pairs of tooth patches. one above the other at symphysis of lower jaw outside gape.

Colour: Body pale pink. Dark red bar across opercular edge. Red pigment on anterior part of head giving dark-faced appearance. Soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins red, with white leading edges and black blotches at tips. Outer part of spiny dorsal red.

Habitat and Biology: Occurs in moderate, to deep water, generally more than 25 m. Observed in the shelter of reefs by day, over open bottoms at night.

Distribution: lndo-West Pacific.

Remarks: Mvripristis melanosticta is a moderately deep dweller. It is the second largest member of the genus after M. adusta.