{"product_id":"myripristis-murdjan-m-l","title":"Myripristis murdjan Cardinalfish M\/L | Bigeye Soldierfish","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the Bigeye Soldierfish or Murdjan Soldierfish, is a striking nocturnal marine fish prized for its deep red body, oversized reflective eyes and fascinating cave-dwelling behaviour. Offered here in \u003cstrong\u003eM\/L size\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is a robust species best suited to experienced marine keepers with a larger aquarium and a calm, secure aquascape. Although often grouped with cardinalfish in the trade, it is more accurately a soldierfish from the Holocentridae family, and it brings a very different presence to the tank: secretive by day, active and confident after lights out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is a superb choice for aquarists looking for something unusual beyond the typical reef fish. It is hardy once settled, but it does have specific needs: plenty of hiding places, subdued lighting, peaceful tankmates and stable marine water conditions. In the right setup, \u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e can become a long-lived, rewarding display fish with real character. As with all livestock from Tropical Fish Co, your order benefits from our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, helping your new fish arrive in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this is a nocturnal predator, it is not the best choice for mixed nano reefs or very busy community systems. Instead, think larger fish-only or carefully planned reef systems where the fish can retreat into rockwork during the day and emerge at feeding time. Its size, behaviour and feeding response make it a fascinating centrepiece for the right marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBigeye Soldierfish \/ Murdjan Soldierfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 30 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivorous; meaty marine foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–12 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle \/ lower \/ caves\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e is found across the Indo-Pacific, including reef-associated areas, lagoons and outer reef slopes. In nature it is typically associated with caves, ledges and shaded crevices where it forms loose groups during the day. At dusk and night it becomes active, moving out to feed on small crustaceans and other zooplankton in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis natural history explains much of its aquarium behaviour. The fish is adapted to low-light refuges and a secure environment, which is why aquascaping matters so much. Open, brightly lit tanks with little cover can leave the fish stressed and reluctant to feed. A mature marine system with plenty of live rock, overhangs and dark resting areas will allow it to settle more quickly and display its natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, soldierfish are often seen in groups, but aquarium housing should be planned carefully. While juveniles may coexist peacefully, adults can become more assertive with their own kind unless the tank is very spacious. For most home aquariums, a single specimen or a carefully managed group in a large system is the safest approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, house \u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e in a mature marine aquarium of at least \u003cstrong\u003e450 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e, with more space strongly recommended for adult specimens. A larger footprint is especially useful because this fish appreciates room to cruise at dusk and night. Use a secure lid or cover, as active marine fish can jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide abundant live rock arranged into caves, arches and shaded overhangs. The fish should be able to retreat fully out of view during the day. Subdued lighting or a dimmer photoperiod can help reduce stress, and many keepers find the fish most visible during feeding time or after the main lights have gone down. Strong, turbulent flow is not essential, but good circulation and oxygenation are important in any marine system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStable water quality is more important than chasing exact numbers. Aim for natural seawater conditions with low nitrate and undetectable ammonia and nitrite. Regular water changes, efficient protein skimming and careful feeding will help maintain long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.023–1.026 specific gravity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e ideally below 20 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is a carnivore with a substantial appetite, filtration should be sized accordingly. Feed sparingly but regularly, and avoid overstocking with aggressive feeders that may outcompete it. A calm environment will encourage confident feeding and reduce hiding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e is a carnivorous marine fish that thrives on meaty foods. In the aquarium it should be offered a varied diet including enriched mysis shrimp, krill, chopped prawns, marine fish flesh, chopped squid and high-quality carnivore marine pellets or granules. Frozen foods are often taken readily once the fish has settled, and many specimens can be trained to accept prepared foods over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, ideally at dusk or after lights dim, when the fish is naturally more active. Because soldierfish have relatively large mouths and a strong feeding response, ensure food pieces are appropriately sized. Variety is important for nutrition and to prevent the fish becoming fixated on a single food type.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVitamin enrichment can be beneficial, especially during acclimation or after transport. Soaking foods in marine vitamin supplements or HUFA enrichers may support colour, immune function and overall vitality. As with all marine carnivores, avoid relying on low-quality feeder foods or excessive fatty items. A balanced, varied diet is the best route to long-term success.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is generally peaceful, but it is not a fish for tiny companions or highly boisterous tanks. Suitable tankmates include calm marine species that will not harass it or steal all the food. Good options in a suitably large aquarium may include tangs, rabbitfish, larger gobies, blennies, dwarf angels, peaceful wrasses and other non-aggressive reef-safe or fish-only species of similar temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompatibility depends heavily on tank size and layout. In a spacious system with plenty of hiding places, \u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e can coexist with a wide range of community marine fish. However, avoid housing it with aggressive triggers, large predatory groupers, very territorial dottybacks, or fast, dominant feeders that may intimidate it. Small ornamental crustaceans may also be at risk, as this is a nocturnal predator.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn reef aquariums, caution is advised with very small shrimps and other delicate invertebrates. While it is not a coral nipper, its feeding habits mean tiny mobile inverts may be viewed as food. For best results, keep it in a fish-only marine system or a carefully planned reef with robust tankmates and secure rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in healthy, well-conditioned marine livestock sourced with care and packed for safe transport. When you order \u003cem\u003eMyripristis murdjan\u003c\/em\u003e, you can expect expert handling, clear communication and dependable \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e so your fish reaches you promptly and in good condition. Our \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e gives you added confidence when purchasing sensitive marine species online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe understand that unusual marine fish need more than just a box and a label: they need proper selection, careful packing and reliable delivery. That is why we focus on quality at every stage, from sourcing to dispatch. If you are planning a larger marine setup and want a distinctive, eye-catching nocturnal species, this soldierfish is an excellent choice. With the right aquarium and attentive care, it can become a standout inhabitant for many years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57446852788559,"sku":"MG10","price":100.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/myripristis-murdjan-natural-aquarium-mg10.webp?v=1777850817","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/myripristis-murdjan-m-l","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}