Myripristis berndti Jordan & Evermann, 1903

Common Name & Maximum Length

Myripristis berndti, commonly called Blotcheye soldierfish, reaches a maximum total length of 30 centimetres (12 inches).

Body Shape & Scales

Its body is oval-shaped, laterally compressed, and covered in quite large scales.

Body Coloration

The species’ base body colour ranges from silvery pink to pale yellowish, with red edges on each scale. Its opercular membrane is black.

Fin Coloration

The large, spiny dorsal fin is coloured yellow to orange-yellow, while all other fins are red with white edges.

Eye & Activity Pattern

This species has large eyes, as it is primarily nocturnal.

Jaw Morphology

When its mouth is closed, the lower jaw extends past the upper jaw.

Social Behavior & Diet

Myripristis berndti typically forms mixed-species aggregations, and feeds mainly on plankton.

Human Uses

It is caught for commercial fisheries, and is also sold in the aquarium trade.

Geographical Distribution

This species has a wide distribution across the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Habitat & Depth Range

It inhabits tropical reefs, where it hides in caves or under ledges at depths between 1 and 50 metres (3 to 164 feet).