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Argyrops filamentosus (Valenciennes, 1830) Soldierbream |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Sparidae (Porgies) | |||
| Max. size: | 70 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 50 - 200 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: east coast of Africa (South Africa and Mozambique), Mauritius, Madagascar, and Réunion. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 12-12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 24-24. This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following set of characters: body deep and becoming compressed and slender with growth; D XII,10; the first 2 dorsal-fin spines rudimentary (2 dorsal-fin spines on first dorsal pterygiophore), third dorsal-fin spine longest (1.3-1.6, mean 1.4, in 3DFS/4DFS), thirrd not reaching beyond level of origin of first soft dorsal-fin ray and not greater than head length; orbit diameter subequal to suborbital depth. Colouration: body uniform pink, silvery belly and chin; spinous dorsal fin yellowish pink, other fins are yellowish pink or pale pink; cheek and region above the eye with bluish tinge; upper jaw often with yellowish orange tinge (Ref. 124569). | |||
| Biology: | Found over corals in warmer waters and rocky reefs over sandy bottoms; feeds on benthic invertebrates (Ref. 5213, 124569). Sold fresh, whole or dried in markets (Ref. 3507). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 November 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||