-
Size
8 inches (20 cm) -
Diet
Plankton, small shrimp and other crustaceans -
Range
Atlantic Ocean -
Habitat
Shallow coral reefs, rocky reefs and offshore deep waters
Physical Characteristics
- Maximum length of 10 inches (25 cm) in length, but usually does not exceed about 8 inches (20 cm).
- The blackbar soldierfish is recognizable by its often bright red coloration on the back and sides of its body, and a broad, black bar running from slightly behind the eye to the top edge of the pectoral fin on either side. Its fins are red with white markings.
- Its large eyes aid in finding prey at night.
Animal Fun Fact
Blackbar soldierfish are often seen swimming upside down near rocky and coral reefs throughout its range.
Diet / Feeding
- Diet consists primarily of plankton but will consume small shrimp and other crustaceans.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina, the Bahamas and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the West Indies and the Caribbean, to the coast of Africa from Ghana to Gabon, including Ascension and St. Helena Islands.
- Found in shallow coral reefs, rocky reefs, and offshore deep waters.
- Preferred depth range is 6-100 feet (2-35 m), but it has been observed offshore to depths of about 330 feet (100 m).
Reproduction & Growth
- Oviparous, or egg-laying species
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Swims alone or in small groups, occasionally observed swimming upside down.
- Nocturnal
Sources
- www.fishbase.us
- iucnredlist.org
- Coral Reef Fishes. Lieske, E. and Myers, R., pg. 146
