Vardhan Patankar
( Myripristis murdjan )
Found in and around coral reefs between 1-50, mostly around reef flats and shallow lagoon waters.
This soldierfish has a silvery pink colour with scales oulined by red and this species can grow to about 27 cm. In addition, they have a black blotch just above the fins on their side behind their head. Another characteristic of soldierfish is their large eyes, which this species displays while having a black blotch going over the eye as well.
They mainly feed on algae and planktonic matter such as crab larvae.
Vardhan Patankar
( Sargocentron tiere )
Found in association with coral reefs especially near outer reef slopes usually between 1-20m.
Growing up to a maximum size of about 33 cm, they are a reddish/pink colour with 3 silverry blue dotted stripes on the sides of the body on the lower end. These species are considered secretive and hence might be hard to spot them commonly as they are usually hiding under crevices and caves.
They mainly feed on algae and planktonic matter such as crab larvae
Joydeep Sarkar
( Myripristis violacea )
You can find them in lagoons, and seaward reefs in areas where there is rich coral cover at depths between 2-20m.
These species of soldierfish like the others, have large eyes. They have a silvery violet colour with orange tips on their fins which have a white outline. Most commonly found at a length of about 18 cm, they are usually found in association with Acropora corals.
Planktonic organisms suspended in the water column make up majority of their diet.
Vardhan Patankar
( Myripristis adusta )
They are most commonly spotted at depths between 1-25 m hiding in crevices and caves in the day and usually come out at night.
The bronze soldierfish is a species that is pale pink in colour with their scales having dark margins along with dark margins on all their fins. They are the largest species of soldierfish growing up to about 35 cm and like other soldierfish have large eyes. Moreover, they are known to reside in small groups and often with other species as well.
Planktonic organisms make up the majority of their diet.
Vardhan Patankar
Vardhan Patankar
( Sargocentron caudimaculatum )
They prefer depths between 1-40 m and found around coral reefs, rocky reefs and sand.
As the name suggests, the silverspot squirrelfish has a silvery spot where the tail meets the rest of the body. Their main colour is red while the back end of their body usually white, including the tail. Their red scales are also outlines with a white margin. These fish can grow up to a maximum length of 25 cm and you are likely to spot them in the night when they come out to feed.
They feed on small crabs and shrimp.
Joydeep Sarkar
( Myripristis berndti )
Spotted at depths between 1-50 m in coral reefs, usually in caves, crevices and under ledges.
The blotcheye soldierfish can reach a maximum length of about 30 cm. The background colour of these fish can vary between a silvery pink colour to an almost pale yellow with red margins on their scales. The fins on the top of their body can range from yellow to orangish-yellow while the other fins are red with a white outline. They have large eyes, owing to their trait of being nocturnal. You are likely to spot them in groups and often mix with schools of other species.
They feed on planktonic organisms.