Violet Soldierfish, a Crown Squirrelfish and an Ornate Emperor fish on a coral reef in the Maldives

---

Also known as Violet Squirrelfish, Purple Soldierfish, Lattice Soldierfish, Lattice Squirrelfish and Latticework Soldierfish. Found often in small groups in clear water, deep lagoons to outer reefs. In the day can be found sheltering in caves. They feed on zooplankton usually shrimp and crab larvae. Soldierfish are nocturnal hunters feeding in the water column on zooplankton. During the day they often congregate close to reefs and in caves, sometimes found upside down in caves. Sargocentron diadema, known commonly as the crowned squirrelfish, is a member of the family Holocentridae in the order Beryciformes. Squirrelfish in general are large, active, nocturnal fish which are usually red in color. Ornate Emperor Fish is also known as Yellow-striped Emperor. It is found singly or in small groups over sand and rubble areas of lagoons and coastal reefs. They feed on small invertebrates and worms. Length - 40cm Depth - 2-30m Widespread Indo-Asian Pacific

---

Size: 3648px × 2736px
Location: Cocoa Island Makunufushi South Malé Atoll Republic of Maldives
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: coral, crown, diadema, emperor, fish, indian, largocentron, lethrinus, maldives, marine, myripristis, ocean, ornate, ornatus, reef, snorkel, soldierfish, squirrelfish, tropical, underwater, violacea, violet