Blackbar Soldierfish Myripristis jacobus/other Myripristis spp.

Soldierfish are of the Squirrelfish family; both are mainly nocturnal with big eyes and red colouring. Many species of soldierfish are difficult to tell apart.

The Blackbar Soldierfish, first three rows, is native to the Western Atlantic including Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and even across to Cape Verde Islands.

Intensity of colour varies. They grow to some 25cm long. They have painful, venomous spines. Diet is zooplankton and small fish.

Other Soldierfish, Myripristis species, with large-meshed scales said to be Black Bar but without the distinctive tail pattern shown on the Black Bars above. They are similar to the Pinecone Soldierfish, M. murdjan, of the Indo-Pacific region but without the white edging on the fins.

Above left and centre with the black-shaded fins with white borders is the Blotcheye, M. berndti, also of the Indo-Pacific region.

Other Soldierfish, Myripristis species without black shoulder bars.