Pinecone Soldierfish (Holocentrus pinecone)
Fish in the family Holocentridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Pinecone Soldierfish has a robust, elongated body with large silvery-red scales that create a distinctive pinecone-like appearance. It features large, prominent dark eyes and a terminal mouth, with bold black stripes running vertically across the body. The dorsal fin is reddish with dark spines, and the overall coloration shifts between deep red and silvery hues depending on lighting conditions.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including live or frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small fish pieces. Pinecone Soldierfish are nocturnal predators and feed best during evening hours; offer food 1-2 times daily in the evening.
Difficulty and care for the Pinecone Soldierfish
Moderate care level. These fish are nocturnal and prefer deeper, shaded environments with lower light; they require stable water parameters, good filtration, and meaty foods. They are generally hardy once acclimated but need specific habitat conditions to thrive.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), parasitic infections, fin rot in poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through Southeast Asia to the Hawaiian Islands and Polynesia, typically found in deeper reef environments and cave systems at depths of 60–400 feet.
Log Pinecone 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 Pinecone Soldierfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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