Ryan Photographic - Holocentridae - Soldierfishes and Squirrelfishes

Family Holocentridae

Fishbase lists 65 species in 8 genera. I exhibit 15 species in 4 genera here. They are found in all tropical seas. Strongly nocturnal, squirrelfishes mainly feed on benthic invertebrates and other fish, while soldierfish concentrate on large zooplankton. Because of their nocturnal behavior most have large, light-gathering eyes. During the day they typically hole up in caves and in coral crevices. Squirrelfish may often be found in small schools, sheltering in the branches of coral. They will usually allow a close approach. Most possess powerful spines which apparently deter some predators. The pre-opercular spine in the genera Holocentrus, Neoniphon and Sargocentron is venomous

The largest species is Sargocentron spiniferum which can reach 50 cm. Holocentrids are often kept in aquaria and, despite their relatively small size, are an important source of protein in some areas.

Holocentrus rufus Long-spine squirrelfish

Myripristis adusta Shadowfin soldierfish

FISH 1275 Myripristis adusta Shadowfin soldierfish, Raja Ampat, West Papua.

Myripristis berndti Big-scale soldierfish

Myripristis botche Splendid soldierfish

FISH 3217 Myripristis botche Splendid soldierfish, Raja Ampat, West Papua.

Myripristis jacobus Blackbar soldierfish

Myripristis kuntee Epaulette soldierfish

FISH 3388 Myripristis kuntee, Epaulette soldierfish, Raja Ampat, West Papua.

FISH 3903 Myripristis kuntee, Epaulette soldierfish, Kadavu, Fiji.

Myripristis leiognathus Panamic soldierfish

FISH 5161 Myripristis leiognathus, Panamic soldierfish, near Loreto, Sea of Cortez.

Myripristis violacea Violet soldierfish

Myripristis vittata Whitetip soldierfish

Myripristis vittata Whitetip soldierfish, Kadavu, Fiji

Neoniphon opercularis Blackfin squirrelfish

Neoniphon sammara Spotfin soldierfish

Neoniphon sammara Spotfin soldierfish, Kadavu, Fiji

Sargocentron caudimaculatum Tailspot squirrelfish

Sargocentron cornutum Three-spot squirrelfish

Sargocentron coruscum Reef squirrelfish

Sargocentron diadema Crown squirrelfish

Sargocentron ittodai Samurai squirrelfish

FISH 3900 Sargocentron ittodai Samurai squirrelfish, Kadavu, Fiji.

Sargocentron spiniferum Sabre squirrelfish

Sargocentron suborbitalis Tinsel squirrelfish

Sargocentron violaceum, Violet squirrelfish

Fishes

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