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Deepwater soldierfish (Ostichthys kaianus) — Holocentridae

Deepwater soldierfish

Ostichthys kaianus
Family: Holocentridae

The Deepwater soldierfish (Ostichthys kaianus) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 36 cm.

Length
36 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
180.0–640.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The deepwater soldierfish is a nocturnal reef fish (Holocentridae) from deeper coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 36 cm and has a deep, reddish body with large eyes and rough scales, adapted to the dim light of deeper water. By day it shelters in crevices of rocky reefs and greater depths; at night it forages for small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepwater soldierfish?

The Deepwater soldierfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Deepwater soldierfish live?

The Deepwater soldierfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Deepwater soldierfish get?

The Deepwater soldierfish grows to a maximum of about 36 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.

Is the Deepwater soldierfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepwater soldierfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Deepwater soldierfish edible?

Yes, the Deepwater soldierfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Diepwater-soldatenvis sourced
English name
Deepwater soldierfish sourced
Scientific name
Ostichthys kaianus
Family
Holocentridae
Other names
Deepwater soldier; Deepwater soldierfish; Deepwater squirrelfish; Kai Islands squirrelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
36.0 verified
Average length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
180.0 verified
Max depth (m)
640.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ostichthys

More from the family Holocentridae

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