Blotcheye Soldierfish (Holocentrus blotcheye)
Fish in the family Holocentridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Blotcheye Soldierfish displays the characteristic bright red body typical of Holocentridae, with distinctive large black-edged white spots (or blotches) on the operculum and upper body. The dorsal fin is red with white spines, and the fish has large eyes adapted for low-light reef environments. An overall robust, compressed body shape with terminal mouth.
Diet and feeding
Feed meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, small fish pieces, and quality carnivore pellets. These nocturnal predators should be fed after lights dim or in dimly lit conditions.
Difficulty and care for the Blotcheye Soldierfish
Moderately easy to care for once established, but requires a minimum 50-gallon tank and prefers stable conditions. Nocturnal behavior means it may hide during the day. Compatible with most reef fish but may consume very small shrimp or fish fry.
Common health issues
Ich, marine velvet, fin rot if water quality drops
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific. Found in reef environments from shallow lagoons to deeper drop-offs.
Log Blotcheye Soldierfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Blotcheye Soldierfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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