Blackbar Soldierfish

The blackbar soldierfish is an Atlantic species from the same family as the squirrelfish (Holocentridae). Its back is red and its belly silvery; its most distinctive features are a dark brown bar running down from the gill opening to the base of the pectoral fin and the white leading edges on all its fins. Its very large eyes show its adaptation to a nocturnal life: during the day it waits in groups in caves and beneath overhangs, and in the dark it comes out into open water to pick plankton. Specimens are wild-collected; it is a hardy species that switches easily to prepared food.

• At least 400 liters for a small group; shaded caves and overhangs.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• A dim night light after the main lights go down makes it easier to watch its behavior.
• Reef-safe with caution: It leaves corals alone; it may eat very small shrimp and fish fry.

Carnivorous, picking plankton in the wild. Offer frozen mysis, krill, brine shrimp and chopped seafood in the late afternoon or when the lights are dimmed, 1–2 times a day.

Peaceful and skittish; it is more at ease in small groups of its own kind. With aggressive tankmates it hides all day.

Good companions: Tangs, large angelfish, foxface, squirrelfish, large damselfish, calm wrasses.

Avoid: Ornamental shrimp, very small fish, lionfish and large groupers.