Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body oval, compressed laterally with narrow caudal peduncle; color red with horizontal light stripes; eye large; snout blunt; mouth large, maxilla extending past eye; opercula with fine grooves and singular spine extending dorsally; large scales, flattened spine on edge of scales; dorsal fin with notch between spines and rays; pelvic fin below pectoral fin; tail forked. |
Similar Species |
The blackbar squirrelfish, Myripristis jacobus, has a dark bar from the upper gill opening to the pectoral fin origin. The spiny cheek soldierfish, Corniger spinosus, has 2 strong spines on its preopercle and no white lateral bands. |
Habitat |
Gulf, coral reefs |
Maximum Size |
20 cm (8 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
D. XI + 1, 12-14; A. IV, 10-12 (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |