Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish

Also known as the Blackbar Soldierfish or Large-Eyed Soldierfish

The Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish is a striking and unusual species that brings vivid red coloration and distinctive barring to marine aquariums. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this nocturnal fish features a brilliant red body with prominent black bars and characteristically large eyes adapted for night vision. With their peaceful temperament, schooling behavior, and eye-catching appearance, Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish make fascinating additions for intermediate to advanced aquarists with appropriate low-light systems and peaceful tankmates.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Myripristis jacobus (or Myripristis kuntee for similar species)
• Common Names: Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish, Blackbar Soldierfish, Large-Eyed Soldierfish
• Adult Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm); commonly 6–8 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 8–12 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; excellent for community tanks
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution – may consume small ornamental shrimp
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum (100+ gallons recommended for groups)
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced – requires specialized lighting and feeding

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, caves, and overhangs at depths of 10–200 feet. Shelters in caves during daylight hours and emerges at night to feed on zooplankton.

Tank Environment:

• Multiple large caves and overhangs essential
• Dark hiding spots for daytime shelter
• Subdued to low lighting strongly preferred (nocturnal species)
• Blue/moonlight or actinic lighting beneficial
• Open swimming areas for nighttime activity
• Peaceful environment required
• Compatible with reef or FOWLR systems

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill (primary diet)
• Chopped seafood, fish, squid
• High-quality marine carnivore pellets
• Zooplankton, copepods
• Vitamin-enriched frozen preparations

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed during evening or with lights dimmed
• 1–2 times daily (primarily evening feeding)
• Adapts to daytime feeding but prefers dusk/night
• Small, frequent meals preferred
• May be shy initially; ensure adequate food intake

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, wrasses (peaceful), gobies, blennies, clownfish, anthias, cardinalfish, most peaceful community fish
• Caution with: Aggressive feeders, very aggressive species, small ornamental shrimp
• Avoid: Large predators, highly aggressive species, fin-nippers

Social Behavior:

• Very peaceful and shy
• Can be kept singly but prefer groups (3–5 in 100+ gallons)
• Naturally schooling species
• Hides during bright daylight hours
• Emerges at dusk and night for feeding
• May become bolder with moonlight or actinic lighting
• Large eyes adapted for low-light vision
• Harmonious with peaceful tankmates

Reef Compatibility: Generally reef-safe with corals and anemones; completely safe with sessile invertebrates. May consume very small ornamental shrimp under 0.5 inches. Larger cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp typically safe. Will not harm fish.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant red to crimson body with 1–2 prominent vertical black bars behind head; large, prominent eyes (characteristic of soldierfish); silvery-red highlights on scales; fins edged in black or red; dorsal fin with spiny rays; coloration intensifies at night.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant red coloration
• Colors more vivid during evening/nighttime activity
• Stress may cause temporary fading
• Subdued lighting brings out natural coloration
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal appearance
• Black bars remain distinct throughout life

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 3–5 inches
• Moderate growth rate: 2–3 inches annually
• Reach 6–8 inches within 2–3 years
• Growth slows after reaching 6 inches

Why Choose a Quarantined Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish?

A properly quarantined Big Eye Black Bar Soldierfish is a healthier, acclimated specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to accept foods during daylight (important for long-term care), stress reduction with appropriate lighting, and feeding behavior verification.

These beautiful fish combine striking red-and-black coloration with peaceful temperament and fascinating nocturnal behavior, making them excellent for aquarists seeking unusual, peaceful species. Their schooling nature allows for impressive group displays in larger tanks, while their distinctive appearance and large eyes create visual interest. Perfect for reef or FOWLR systems with subdued lighting where their natural behaviors and vibrant coloration can be appreciated during evening hours. An excellent choice for those seeking peaceful, colorful fish with unique adaptations and behaviors.