Description:

Dorsal spines: 11; Dorsal rays: 13-16 (usually 15); Anal spines: 4; Anal rays: 12-14.

Body moderately deep. Lower jaw of adults slightly projecting when mouth closed. A single pair of tooth patches at front of lower jaw outside mouth.

Colour. Scale centres bluish silver (sometimes pinkish silver). Edges of scales above lateral line dark brown to black (broadest on nape). Scales below lateral line edged 
with brownish red. Opercular membrane dark reddish brown down to about middle of eye. Pectoral fin axils black.
First 2-3 membranes of spinous dorsal fin red, others pale pinkish white with bright red margin.
Caudal fin and outer part of soft dorsal and anal fins bright red. Leading edges of caudal-fin lobes, soft dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins white.

Size:

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 23cm TL, commonly to 18cm TL.
 

Habitat and Ecology:

Coral reef species that occurs in lagoons and semi-protected seaward reefs rich in coral (depth 3-30m). Common near arborescent Acropora or layered Porites rus corals. 
Solitary or in small groups and sometimes with other Myripristis spp. Feeds on plankton such as crab larvae.
 

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery, but is a relatively uncommon component of the catch.

Notes:

In water photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
 

 

References:

Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the 
support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/7309 (08/06/19).
Greenfield, D. & Williams, I. (2016). Myripristis violacea (errata version 2017). The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T67871084A67871850.en. (30/04/20).

Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Myripristis violacea, Lattice soldierfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/myripristis-violacea-bleeker-1851/ (edited 07/07/22).