Myripristis pralinia Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes 1829 —Scarlet soldierfish

Status at New Ireland. Originally described from Port Praslin, New Ireland as Myripristis pralinius by Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes (1829a: 170), based on MNHN 7834 (holotype); reported from St. Mathias as Myripristis bleekeri by Duncker & Mohr (1929: 71). MNHN and ZMH material. A specimen photographed in Kavieng region on 1 June 2013 during ACIAR Aquarium Survey; a video of a specimen taken south of New Hanover, at 4–51 m depth, St. KR110, in 2014 (identified by Barry C. Russell).

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 1, 2, 3, 4.—General distribution: East Africa east to Line and Marquesas Islands, north to Ryukyu Islands, south to Queensland (Australia) and New Caledonia. Found in caves or under ledges of reef flats, lagoon and seaward coral reefs, 2–50 m depth. Marine.