Myripristis kuntee is apparently closely related to M. pralinia; however, it has a broad rectangular dark bar running from the upper edge of the gill opening to the axil of the pectoral, whereas the shoulder bar in M. pralinia is more restricted.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 16 cm; max. 20 cm
color
Light red, Dark red-brown bar across top of gill opening to pectoral axil. Spiny dorsal orange. All fins with white leading edges; red pigment concentrated at tips of soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins.
order
Beryciformes
family
Holocentridae
habitat and biology
This species is found in shallow waters near coral reefs, up to a depth of 10 meters, and is active at night.
distinctive characters
This fish has a dorsal fin with 10 spines, followed by one spine and 15-17 rays, an anal fin with 4 spines and 14-16 rays, a pectoral fin with 15 rays, a body depth of 2.2-2.9 in standard length, an oblong body shape, and the third anal spine is shorter than the fourth. It also has small scales and 37-44 lateral line scales.