Sergeant Baker

Latropiscis purpurissatus has between 19 and 22 rays in its dorsal fin, it has a adipose fin and an anal fin which is supported by 12 to 14 rays. It has a moderately elongated body which tapers towards the tail with some compression to the sides. It has a large head and mouth with moderately sized eyes. The teeth are thin, sharp and curved with each jaw having two rows of teeth, the teeth on the upper jaw being larger than those on the lower jaw. The second ray of the dorsal fin is highly elongated in adult males. The caudal fin is forked and the pelvic fins are wide, with their origin immediately to the rearof the pectoral fin base. They are coloured deep reddish to purple on the back and flanks with pearly to yellowish-white on the underside. The fins are yellow, with variable scarlet, red, orange and brown blotches and spots. The eyes are orange and crimson.

Latropiscis purpurissatus is endemic to Australia where it is found from just north of Brisbane in Queensland south to [[Tasmania, and west and north to just north of Shark Bay in Western Australis. It is found from inshore shallow water to a depth of 250 m (820 ft) on the upper continental slope. It is a demersal fish, typically occurring among rocks and coral in areas of soft bottom near the coast.

Latropiscis purpurissatus is an ambush predator, hiding among the rocks and corals, feeding on benthic invertebrates and other fishes.