Description

Also known as Large-mouthed Squirrelfish, Longspine Squirrelfish, Switchtail.

Found singly or in small schools, during the day hiding near dark recesses, dispersing at night hunting for food, over coral and rocky reefs. This squirrelfish is more common at greater depths than most other squirrelfish.
They feed nocturnally on benthic crustaceans and zooplankton.
Length - 18cm
Depth - 1-70m
Widespread Western Atlantic, Caribbean

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/3249