Argyrops filamentosus (Valenciennes, 1830)
Soldierbream
Argyrops filamentosus
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 RĂ©union.
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


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