Description

Also known as Finspot Soldierfish, Pale Soldier, Pinecone Soldierfish, Splendid Soldierfish, Splendid Squirrelfish, Toothed Crimson Squirrelfish.

Found in pairs or schools, during the day hiding in caves and crevices, dispersing at night hunting for food, over protected clear water coral reefs. Colour varies with light.
They feed on zooplankton.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 20-71m
Widespread Indo-West 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/26201