Scarlet Soldierfish

Scientific Name: Myripristis pralinia
Species: Squirrelfishes & Soldierfishes (Holocentridae)
Other names: Scarlet Soldier, Big-eyed Soldierfish, Big-eyed Soldier, Big-eye Soldierfish, Big-eye Soldier, Port Praslin Squirrelfish, Reef Soldierfish, Smooth-cheeked Soldierfish.

Some Images

Description

Also known as Scarlet Soldier, Big-eyed Soldierfish, Big-eyed Soldier, Big-eye Soldierfish, Big-eye Soldier, Port Praslin Squirrelfish, Reef Soldierfish and Smooth-cheeked Soldierfish.

Found in groups on shallow protected inner reefs and lagoons.
Usually only seen at night swimming above corals, secretive during the day.
Red with white tips on fins and big eyes.
They feed on zooplankton usually shrimp and crab larvae.
Length - 20cm
Depth - 1-15m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Soldierfish are nocturnal hunters feeding in the water column on zooplankton. During the day they often congregate close to reefs and in caves, sometimes found upside down in caves.
They can often be heard by divers with their pops, grunts and clicks.
Their colour can change greatly in different lights and if threatened.
Some soldierfish have venomous spines.

Spotted

The Scarlet Soldierfish has been photographed 5 times by user @fishx6

A D V E R T I S E M E N T