Sargocentron violaceum is not particularly prevalent in the Maldives, but it can be easily identified by its violet hue.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 25 cm
color
Violet, each scale with white border. Triangular red patch above pectoral axil. Spiny dorsal pale red with white tips and thin bright red sub-marginal band. Other fins pale but leading edge of caudal and anal fins red.
Associated with coral reefs, this nocturnal creature hides deep within caves and crevices on the reef slope during the day.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has 11 spines and 13-14 (usually 14) rays, the anal fin has 4 spines and 9 rays, the pectoral fin has 13-14 (usually 14) rays, the body depth is 2.6-3.0 in standard length, the anterior and posterior margins of the nasal fossa have 1-3 spinules, and the preopercular spine is approximately equal to the eye diameter with the membranes of the spinous dorsal fin not incised.