Myripristis murdjan (Forsskål 1775)

This species is distinguished by the following characters: robust and compressed body with big eyes; lower jaw with one pair of tooth patches at front of lower jaw just outside of gape; lower jaw of adults slightly projecting when mouth closed; gill rakers on first gill arch 11-15 (modally 13) on upper limb, total 36-44 (modally 39); lateral line scales 27-32 (modally 29); lower half to ¾ of axil of pectoral fins with small scales; interorbital space broad, its width 3.65- 4.4 times in head length. Colour of body red to dusky red, the edges of scales reddish brown; opercular membrane dark brown to black to about level of middle of eye; axil of pectoral fins dark brown to black; spinous dorsal fin light red on basal two-thirds, bright red on outer third; leading edges of soft dorsal, anal, caudal, and pelvic fins white (Ref. 12419, 40493).

Oviparous (Ref. 240).

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 15; Analspines: 4; Analsoft rays: 11 - 14

Inhabits reef flats and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 37 m (in the Red Sea) (Ref 1602); and shallow lagoons (Ref. 12419). Benthopelagic in or near crevices and caves (Ref. 58302). Mainly nocturnal. Feeds mainly on plankton such as crab larvae (Ref. 12419). Secretive, hovering under ledges and in caves (Ref. 37816). Also Ref. 58534.

Occur in reef flats and shallow lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 12419). Benthopelagic in or near crevices and caves (Ref. 58302). Mainly nocturnal. Feed mainly on plankton such as crab larvae (Ref. 12419). Secretive, hovering under ledges and in caves (Ref. 37816). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 240).

fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; price category: medium; price reliability: very questionable: based on ex-vessel price for species in this family