Fin's Fish Guide
The Bigscale soldier (Myripristis berndti) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The bigscale soldierfish is a soldierfish (Holocentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a reddish body with large scales and very large eyes, adapted to a nocturnal life. By day it shelters in caves and under ledges of reef flats, channels and outer reef slopes. At night it emerges to capture zooplankton, especially crab larvae, 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 Bigscale soldier?
The Bigscale soldier has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Large eyes and scales; nocturnal plankton eater without the venomous opercular spine of squirrelfishes.
Where does the Bigscale soldier live?
The Bigscale soldier lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; caves and ledges of reefs.
How big does the Bigscale soldier get?
The Bigscale soldier grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.
Is the Bigscale soldier dangerous to humans?
No, the Bigscale soldier is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bigscale soldier edible?
The Bigscale soldier 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 Bigscale soldier?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bigscale soldier is one of 12,519 species in the app.