About Myripristis jacobus Cuvier, 1829
Taxonomy and Naming
Myripristis jacobus Cuvier, 1829, commonly called the blackbar soldierfish, is a species of soldierfish native to the Western Atlantic.
Size
It can reach a maximum total length of 25 cm.
Habitat Range
This species inhabits marine, reef-associated waters of subtropical climates, and is specifically recorded from the Western Atlantic, Bahamas, Northern Gulf of Mexico, West Indies, Caribbean Sea, Cape Verde, Principe Island, Ascension Island, and St. Helena Island.
Substrate Preference
It occurs in deep-water coral reefs.
Diet and Activity
Blackbar soldierfish are a nocturnal species that feed primarily on plankton and shrimp.
Human Uses
This species occasionally enters the aquarium trade, and is also occasionally marketed as an edible fish, though it is not a popular food fish.
Body Coloration
It is bright red in overall color, with a distinct black bar positioned behind its head.
Fin Markings and Behavior
Its fins are edged with thin white lines, and individuals of this species have been observed swimming upside-down at times.
