Soldierfish

The name Soldierfish is given by the red uniforms used by European soldiers a couple of centuries ago. Most species are red, but since they appear at depths where red color is absent, they appear grey until they are exposed by artificial light.

Soldierfishes are in family with Squirrelfishes. Compared with the Squirrelfish has the Soldierfish more rounded head and larger eyes. The different species can be difficult to distinguish, especially when the dorsal fin is not erected.

The Soldierfishes are nocturnal and feed on plankton. At daytime do they rest in caves and under overhangs. They can be 20-30 cm in length.