Description

Also known as Australian Squirrelfish, Lattice Soldier, Lattice Squirrelfish, Latticework Soldierfish, Orangefin Soldierfish, Purple Soldierfish, Scarlet Soldierfish, Small-eyed Squirrelfish, Violet Soldierfish, Violet Squirrelfish.

Found singly or in small schools sheltering during the day close to Acropora corals over channels, lagoons and semi-protected seaward reefs rich in coral growth
They feed nocturnally on crab larvae and zooplankton.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 3-30m
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/7309