Fin's Fish Guide
The Big eye soldierfish (Myripristis pralinia) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The scarlet soldierfish is a soldierfish (Holocentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a bright-red body with large eyes, adapted to a nocturnal life. By day it shelters in small, loose groups in caves or under ledges of reef flats, lagoons and outer reef slopes. At night it emerges to capture zooplankton from the water. Unlike the related squirrelfishes it lacks a strong venomous gill-cover spine. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Big eye soldierfish?
The Big eye soldierfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Bright red with large eyes; nocturnal plankton feeder without the venomous spine of squirrelfishes.
Where does the Big eye soldierfish live?
The Big eye soldierfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; reef caves and ledges.
How big does the Big eye soldierfish get?
The Big eye soldierfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Big eye soldierfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Big eye soldierfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Big eye soldierfish edible?
The Big eye soldierfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Myripristis
More from the family Holocentridae
Want the complete picture on the Big eye soldierfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Big eye soldierfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.