Lattice Soldierfish

Myripristis violacea

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

ALSO KNOWN AS

Australian Squirrelfish
Lattice Soldier
Lattice Squirrelfish
Latticework Soldierfish
Orangefin Soldierfish
Purple Soldierfish
Scarlet Soldierfish
Small-eyed Squirrelfish
Violet Soldierfish
Violet Squirrelfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016

Add a photo

Lattice Soldierfish adult, photographed at Gangehi, Maldives — @fishx6 · Gangehi, Maldives · March 20081 / 6

Overview

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.

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.

How to identify

COLOURS

Fins & Tail: red fins
Head & Mouth: big eyes
Behaviour: changes colour nocturnal schooling solitary

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Habitat & where to find it

Range · Indo-Pacific
Exact location · 1
Country only · 5

LIVES IN

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

RANGE