Common Name: Soldierfish
Scientific Name: Myripristis violacea
LOCAL NAME: Dhanbodu
FAMILY: Holocentridae
This is a series of articles that I’ve decided to publish under the title “Diver’s Len.”
The purpose of these articles is to provide readers with information regarding the various species of marine life that can be found in the ocean of the Maldives and that have been captured by photographers and videographers. In addition to the photographs and videos, we have provided a summary of general and scientific information about the species.
The photographer or diver has given permission to publish the photos and videos in these articles.
A skilled Maldivian underwater videographer, Abdulla Sivad, captured the video/photo featured in this article. This is about soldierfish.
Soldierfish (Myripristis violacea), also known as dhanbodu, is a large group with approximately 70 species worldwide, eight of which are known from the Maldives. Soldierfish have very large eyes and a blunt snout. They are nocturnal and feed primarily in open water away from reefs or walls on large zooplankton such as prawns and crab larvae.
During the day, some species congregate in large open caves or under reef overhangs. Some species swim against the ceilings in an inverted position, with their belly facing the ceiling or the sides, while others within the same group swim normally.
Some species, including most juveniles, are extremely secretive and only appear at night, swimming above corals or near the bottom. The majority of species are found at depths of less than 30 meters, but some go deeper. Although some species were once known as squirrelfishes, the term is now reserved for the previous group.
The following is a list of soldierfish that are commonly found in the Maldives.
Splendid Soldierfish
Usually found at depths over 20 m, swimming openly around large shelving coral heads. In natural light, they look almost white with black fins, as the blue water filters out the colour red. Although they are uncommon in the Maldives, they can be found in groups. The recent use of M.botche for this species was incorrect. This species is widespread in the Indo-Pacific. The fish grows to a length of 25 cm.
Yellowfin Soldierfish
Mostly found in clear water lagoons and protected reefs, sheltering below reef overhangs in small groups during the day to depths of about 25 m. almost identical to the Crimson Soldierfish, but distinguished from similar species by red spines on the fins and yellow membranes. Widespread Indi-Pacific. Length to 30 cm.
The following is a list of soldierfish that are commonly found in the Maldives.
English Name : Shadowfin soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Hiyani dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Blotcheye soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Kothari reendhoo dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Shoulderbar soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Fahdhemi dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Blacktip soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Kalhu kothari dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Pinecone soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Berebedhi dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Scarlet soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Ali dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Violet soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Vailet dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
English Name : Immaculate soldierfish Family : HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name : Dhanbodu Order : Beryciformes
Reference
Anderson, R. (1997), Fishes of the Maldives. Marine Research Centre
Kuiter, R. (2014), Fishes of the Maldives. Atoll Editions
