Soldierfishes

Critter Spotlight: Myripristis murdjan

Photo Credit: Bob Fenner

These fishes belong in the Order Beryciformes and Suborder Holocentroidei as members of the Family Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes & Soldierfishes) consisting of 2 Subfamilies, 8 genera, and 65 species.

Similar to cardinalfishes in physical characteristics, with the major difference being size. Some are capable of making loud clicking sounds. They are also sensitive to sounds like tapping on the aquarium glass because they have large air bladders. Most are too large for the average aquarium. Peaceful, generally nocturnal, carnivorous, and somewhat colorful. Mostly crevice and cave dwellers. Those in the Subfamily Myripristinae are called Soldierfishes. Since they are generally a fast growing species, aquarium size is an important consideration. Better in small groups than individuals or a pair, as one may pick on the other. There are few of interest.

For in-depth information concerning these fishes, checkout Reef Fishes Volume 1 by Scott Michael (ISBN #1-890087-21-1). You can see a review of this exquisite book by visiting my Product & Book Reviews page.

Myripristis

• Myripristis adusta (Shadowfin/Bronze Soldierfish)
• Myripristis amaena (Brick/Black Soldierfish)
• Myripristis berndti (Blotcheye/Bigscale Soldierfish)
• Myripristis botche (Blacklip/Finspot Soldierfish)
• Myripristis chryseres (Yellowfin Soldierfish)
• Myripristis hexagona (Double-tooth Soldierfish)
• Myripristis jacobus (Blackbar Soldierfish)
• Myripristis kuntee (Shoulderbar/Pearly Soldierfish)
• Myripristis murdjan (Red/Scarlet/Pinecone/Crimson Soldierfish)
• Myripristis pralinia (Scarlet Soldierfish)
• Myripristis violacea (Violet/Orangefin Soldierfish)
• Myripristis vittata (Whitetip Soldierfish)
• Myripristis xanthacra (Yellowtip Soldierfish)

Plectrypops

• Plectrypops lima (Roughscale Soldierfish)