Flashlightfishes Roughies and Squirrelfishes: Beryciformes

Physical characteristics: Blackbar soldierfish grow to 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length. They are red and have large eyes, two dorsal fins, and a forked tail fin. They sport a brownish black, vertical bar behind the gill cover.

Geographic range: Blackbar soldierfish live in the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern Atlantic Ocean from North Carolina to Brazil.

Habitat: Blackbar soldierfish live in reefs and around structures such as piers. They are commonly seen by divers in very shallow waters but also are found at depths to 330 feet (100 meters).

Diet: Blackbar soldierfish feed at night on shrimp and animal plankton.

Blackbar soldierfish feed at night on shrimp and animal plankton. (Illustration by Wendy Baker. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: Blackbar soldierfish usually live alone but sometimes form schools of as many as thirty-six fish. Under stress, blackbar soldierfish make clicking and grunting noises with their swim bladder, an internal sac that fishes use to control their position in the water. Blackbar soldierfish often swim upside down. These fish use external fertilization on the days that follow a full moon. Although the adults prefer shallower reefs, the larvae (LAR-vee) may travel well out to sea. Larvae are animals in an early stage and must change form before becoming adults.

Blackbar soldierfish and people: Blackbar soldierfish are used as pets. They are sometimes sold for food.

Conservation status: Blackbar soldierfish are not threatened or endangered. ∎