Ostichthys brachygnathus Randall & Myers, 1993
Shortjaw soldierfish
Ostichthys brachygnathus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Myripristinae
Max. size:  15.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 230 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Guam to Saipan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 5-5; Anal soft rays: 9-9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 2½ scales above lateral line to midbase of spinous portion of dorsal fin; origin of anal fin is beneath soft portion of dorsal fin; upper procurrent spiniform caudal-fin rays 5 and lower rays 4; D XII,12, last spine shortest; A V,9 (holotype appears aberrant in having a fifth anal-fin spine); pectoral-fin rays 16; patch of teeth on vomer V-shaped; head length 2.45 in SL; dorsal profile of head nearly straight, becoming slightly convex on nape; lateral-line scales 27; gill rakers 8 + 15; maxilla not reaching a vertical at posterior margin of orbit; depth of body 2.35 in SL; snout length 4.45 in HL; caudal peduncle very slender 5.05 in HL; colour when fresh is solid red, the centers of scales lighter red than edges (Ref. 114923).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 04 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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