Description

Also known as Bigeye Soldierfish, Blotcheye Soldier, Blotcheye Soldierfish, Crimson Soldierfish, Crimson Squirrelfish, Knightfish, Red Soldierfish, Small-eyed Squirrelfish.

Found singly during the day in caves and under ledges dispersing at night to hunt for food over reef flats, shallow lagoons and seaward reefs.
They feed nocturnally on crab larvae and zooplankton.
Length - 60cm
Depth - 1-50m
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. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Myripristis-murdjan