Big-eyed nighthunters. Red bodies, giant eyes, caves by day, on the prowl by night.
Squirrelfish and soldierfish share the same family, both have bright red coloration (which appears black at depth), enormous eyes for low-light vision, and a nocturnal lifestyle. By day they pack into reef caves and crevices; at night they emerge to hunt crustaceans and small fish.
Bigeye soldierfish, blackbar soldierfish, and the crown squirrelfish are common across Indo-Pacific reefs. Night dives transform them, out in the open, hunting in coordinated movements.
Reliable at every reef destination. Day diving shows them stacked in caves; night dives produce active behaviour photography.
Tap a month to highlight it across destinations, or hover any cell for details.
18 destinations across Goa, Andamans, SE Asia, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, East Africa, peak seasons vary by location, so plan your trip around the right destination AND the right month.
Tier 1Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–May, Oct–Dec · 12 sites
Tier 2Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Apr, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 1Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Apr–Nov · 35 sites
Tier 1Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Feb–Sep · 25 sites
Tier 1Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 40 sites
Tier 2Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Apr, Nov–Dec · 15 sites
Tier 2Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Apr–Nov · 25 sites
Tier 2Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–May, Dec · 30 sites
Tier 2Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 25 sites
Tier 2Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Apr, Sep–Dec · 20 sites
Tier 4Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–May, Oct–Dec · 15 sites
Tier 3Squirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Apr–Nov · 40 sites
Tier 3Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Feb, Jul–Dec · 22 sites
Tier 3Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Apr–Oct · 12 sites
Tier 3Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–May, Nov–Dec · 20 sites
Tier 3Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Mar–Oct · 18 sites
Tier 4Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Apr–May, Sep–Nov · 30 sites
Tier 4Coming soonSquirrelfish & Soldierfish here: Jan–Apr, Oct–Dec · 50 sites
Real, curated expeditions, or a custom trip built around the best season and destination to encounter squirrelfish & soldierfish.
Browse our curated, small-group dive trips, fixed dates, vetted partner operators, zero agency fee. Or tell us your dates and we'll build a custom trip around the best season and destinations to encounter squirrelfish & soldierfish.
Tell us when you can travel and your certification level, we'll match the right destination, the right season, and the right trip for diving with squirrelfish.
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