Latin name

Myripristis hexagona

Other name

Myripristis hexagona

Identification

Doubletooth soldierfish have an oval body. It is covered with large ctenoid scales. There are 26-27 vertebrae.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 11 - 14.

Fish colouring

Double-toothed soldier fish come in bright red to yellowish colors. 

Distribution

Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. However, it has not been found on any low-lying islands or atolls in the Indo-Pacific region.

Habitat

Tropical marine species. It inhabits sheltered inshore and offshore reefs, usually in muddy areas of bays and lagoons, at depths of 3-40 (9.8-131.2 feet).

Size

The Doubletooth Soldierfish reaches a maximum length of 30 centimeters (11.8 inches). 

Behavior

Nocturnal species. It hides in caves or under ledges during the day and feeds at night. It can be found in loose groups, sometimes with other soldierfish species.

Food and feeding habits

The main food of the Doubletooth Soldierfish are planktonic crustaceans and swimming larvae of bottom dwelling invertebrates.

Reproduction

Spawning occurs at night or dusk in open water. Eggs are 2 to 3 mm in diameter and float to the surface. Larvae are pelagic, elongated and can be found far out to sea.

Fishing

The species is of minor commercial interest.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.