Big Eye Soldierfish (Pristigenys Serrula)

The Big Eye Soldierfish is a captivating nocturnal species, recognized for its oversized, sensitive eyes adapted for low-light conditions and its subtle, muted coloration that allows it to blend into reef crevices. Typically found in deeper reef zones, this species spends the day hidden among live rock and caves, emerging at night to forage on small fish and invertebrates. Its natural behavior and predatory tendencies make it a fascinating addition to large, fish-only setups, although it is not reef safe due to its potential to prey on small invertebrates.

Care Information
Maximum Size: Up to 7 inches.
Tank Size: 150 gallons minimum; requires a spacious tank with plenty of live rock and caves for daytime shelter and open swimming areas for nocturnal foraging.
Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on small fish and invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, it thrives on a varied diet of live or frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small pieces of seafood.
Water Temp: 72-78°F.
Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
Aggression: Generally peaceful during the day, but may exhibit mild predatory behavior at night.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires a mature, well-established tank with stable water conditions and careful feeding practices.
Reef Compatibility: Not Reef Safe; its nocturnal predatory habits may result in the consumption of small invertebrates, making it best suited for fish-only or specialized community tanks.

Special Feature – Nocturnal Behavior & Large Eyes
The Big Eye Soldierfish is especially notable for its large, sensitive eyes which allow it to hunt efficiently in dim light. Its nocturnal activity provides a fascinating glimpse into its natural foraging behavior, as it emerges from its daytime refuges to actively hunt at night.

Compatibility
This species thrives when housed with other larger, non-aggressive fish in spacious tanks. Avoid pairing it with delicate invertebrates or small ornamental shrimp, as its predatory nature may put these at risk.

Coloration
Indo-Pacific Region: Exhibits a muted, dark body with subtle patterns that enhance its camouflage in low-light reef environments. Its large, reflective eyes are its most striking feature, helping it spot prey during nocturnal foraging.

Typical Habitat
Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Big Eye Soldierfish is typically found in deeper reef zones and cavernous areas where low-light conditions prevail.
Tank Setup: A mature aquarium with ample live rock, plenty of hiding spots, and a deep sand substrate is ideal to mimic its natural habitat.