Scarlet Soldierfish

Myripristis pralinia

Also known as: Bigeye Soldier, Bigeye Soldierfish, Big-eyed Soldier, Big-eyed Soldierfish, Big-eyed Squirrelfish, Port Praslin Squirrelfish, Reef Soldierfish, Scarlet Soldier, Smooth-cheeked Soldierfish

ALSO KNOWN AS

Bigeye Soldier
Bigeye Soldierfish
Big-eyed Soldier
Big-eyed Soldierfish
Big-eyed Squirrelfish
Port Praslin Squirrelfish
Reef Soldierfish
Scarlet Soldier
Smooth-cheeked Soldierfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2010

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Adult

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Overview

Found in small loose schools, during the day in caves and under ledges, of lagoons, reef flats, and outer reef slopes, dispersing at night hunting for food. Usually only seen at night swimming above corals, secretive during the day.
They feed nocturnally on crab and shrimp 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

Head & Mouth: big eyes
Behaviour: changes colour hides nocturnal schooling shelters in caves

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Habitat & where to find it

Range · Indo-Pacific

LIVES IN

Found in small loose schools, during the day in caves and under ledges, of lagoons, reef flats, and outer reef slopes, dispersing at night hunting for food.

RANGE