HOLOCENTRIDAE Ostichthys japonicus, 32.7 cm SL (from Miyazaki Pref., Japan; photo by Yukio Iwatsuki) Ostichthys japonicus (Cuvier, 1829) Japanese Soldierfish D XII, 12-14; A IV, 10-12; P1 16-17; LLp 28-30; GR 7-10 + 12-14. Body oblong. Dorsal profile of head convex. Anterior end of nasal bones of adults or subadults without a forward-directed spine. Premaxillary groove broadly Vshaped, no spine at corner of preopercle notably larger than spinules along entire margin. Scales above lateral line to middle of spinous portion of dorsal fin 3.5 Color: edges of scales red, the centers silvery pink; spinous portion of dorsal fin mottled light red and whitish; remaining fins with light red rays and pale membranes; iris red. Size: maximum length about 45 cm. Distribution: West Pacific, from southern Japan, Fiji and Tuvalu to Australia; also known from the Andaman Sea. Remarks: mostly caught by hook-andline in the depth range of 90-195 m.