Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitetip soldierfish (Myripristis vittata) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 25 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei and others
Description
The whitetip soldierfish is a nocturnal reef fish (Holocentridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, orange-red body with white fin tips and large eyes. By day it shelters in groups in caves and crevices of deeper coral and rocky reefs; at night it swarms out to hunt large zooplankton, mainly crustaceans, in open water. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitetip soldierfish?
The Whitetip soldierfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.
Where does the Whitetip soldierfish live?
The Whitetip soldierfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei and others
How big does the Whitetip soldierfish get?
The Whitetip soldierfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.
Is the Whitetip soldierfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitetip soldierfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Whitetip soldierfish edible?
Yes, the Whitetip soldierfish is commonly eaten.
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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 Whitetip soldierfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitetip soldierfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.