Panamic Soldierfish

Familia: Squirrelfishes & Soldierfishes (Holocentridae)
Tamaño: Up to 18 cm (7 in) | Común 14 cm
Profundidad: 3 – 45m (10 – 150ft)
Distribución: Gulf of California to Ecuador (including Galapagos & Malpelo).

Identificación:
A fish built for the night, easily spotted by its huge eyes.

• Color: The body is a metallic copper-red. The key diagnostic feature (visible in your photos) is the distinct yellow or orange edging on the dorsal, anal, and tail fins.
• The Eye: It has an enormous black eye relative to its body size. This is a specialized adaptation for seeing in low light and at night.
• Forma: Robust and oval-shaped. Unlike “Squirrelfish” which have a long sharp spine on their cheek, Soldierfish lack this venomous spine.

Comportamiento:
The shy cave dweller.

• Daytime: They are nocturnal. During the day, you will find them hovering in loose groups inside caves, under ledges, or deep in the shadows to avoid bright sunlight.
• Nighttime: At night, they disperse over the reef to hunt for plankton (crab larvae and shrimp) in the open water.