The Myripristis violacea is easily identifiable due to its distinctive colouration, and Soldierfishes and Squirrelfishes are capable of producing sounds for both warning signals and communication.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 18 cm; max. 23 cm
color
Bluish to reddish-silver, the scales on back broadly rimmed in deep purple to black, those on side and ventral part of body edged in red. Median fins mainly red without black pigment.
A species of coral reef found in shallow, sheltered waters.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 10 spines followed by one spine and 13-16 rays, an anal fin with 4 spines and 12-14 rays, a pectoral fin with 15 rays, an oblong body, a body depth of 1.9-2.5 inches in standard length, small scales usually present on the inner pectoral axil, third and fourth anal spines sub-equal or fourth slightly longer, and a single pair of tooth patches outside the mouth at the front of the lower jaw.