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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