This is the Myripristis berndti or Soldier Fish
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This picture is a Soldier Fish, it is the Bigscale soldier fish. It is in the family of Holocentridae. Myripristis berndti
A fun fact is that the name (Soldier Fish) is believed to be derived from the British Military (the Red Coats), hence the soldier fish with it’s red skin and black shoulder bar. In Hawaii, we often refer to them as menpachi/mempachi. That is actually the Japanese word for them and has been used since early days. The Hawaiian word for it is ‘ū’ū. This name suggests that the fish often makes that noise when it is alarmed or disturbed. This vocalization is possible by contracting their muscles against their swim bladders to make grunts, clicks, or growls. They use these noises to communicate with each other. It is thought to perhaps aid in courting a mate, ward off predators, or communicate aggression to rivals.
The fish is dark red with large scales, has a black shoulder bar near the gills, a deeply forked tail, and large eyes.
They are nocturnal and can usually be seen hiding or resting during the day under ledges and caves. The red color is actually an advantage to this species and acts as a defense mechanism. In the water, red is one of the first colors that is adsorbed or lost. Soldier fish will not reflect much light at night while they are out eating or during the day at depths under the ledges. It almost allows them to be dark and blend in.
They can grow to 18 inches and live up to 14 years.
They are slow growing and do not reach sexual maturity until about 6 or 7 years of age. In Hawaii, they are considered delicious and are often gathered by fisherman, fried up, and eaten whole.
The image above was taken during a Private Ocean Project Maui Snorkel Tour.
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