Ostichthys delta Randall, Shimizu & Yamakawa, 1982
Redcoat soldierfish
photo by SFSA

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 150 - 200 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: with a widely spaced distribution in Réunion, the Comoros and American Samoa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 2½ scales above lateral line to midbase of spinous portion of dorsal fin; anal fin origin beneath soft portion of dorsal fin; upper spiniform procurrent caudal-fin rays 5 and lower with 4; D XI (XII for all congeners except O. ovaloculus), with last dorsal-fin spine shortest; vomer with near-triangular patch of teeth; head length 2.5-2.65 in SL; dorsal profile nearly straight; pectoral-fin rays 16-17; lateral-line scales 27-28 (usually 27); gill rakers 7-8 + 13-14; depth of body 2.3-2.4 in SL; snout length 4.2-4.8 in HL; caudal peduncle slender, least depth 4.45-4.75 in HL; colour when fresh uniform red (Ref. 114923).
Biology:  Four known specimens. Caught with a gill net in 114 m off Itsoundzou Island (Ref. 58472).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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