Big Eye Soldierfish

The Big Eye Soldierfish is a striking nocturnal reef fish distinguished by its brilliant red to reddish-orange coloration, deep compressed body, and remarkably large eyes that dominate its face. These oversized eyes are a hallmark adaptation for its nocturnal lifestyle, containing a high density of rod cells that enable exceptional vision in near-total darkness. The fish also features a distinctive dark blotch at the rear edge of each gill cover and silvery-white edges on its fins, adding subtle contrast to its overall crimson appearance.

In the wild, the Big Eye Soldierfish inhabits coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to Hawaii, at depths ranging from 3 to 160 meters. During the day, it shelters in caves, crevices, and beneath overhangs, often aggregating in small to large groups that hover in the shadows. As night falls, these fish disperse across the reef to feed on large zooplankton, including crab larvae, mysid shrimp, and other small crustaceans that emerge into the water column under cover of darkness.

Reaching about 12 inches in length, the Big Eye Soldierfish requires an aquarium of at least 125 gallons with ample cave and overhang formations to replicate its natural daytime retreats. It is a peaceful species that rarely bothers other fish and is considered reef-safe with most corals, though it may consume very small ornamental shrimp. Subdued lighting or dedicated dark zones within the tank are essential for the fish's comfort. Actinic and moonlight LEDs allow keepers to observe its fascinating nighttime activity without disturbing its natural behavior.