Reef squirrelfish (Sargocentron coruscum)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Sargocentron coruscum
- Common name
- Reef squirrelfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Holocentridae
- Genus
- Sargocentron
- Size
- 8–14 cm
- Depth
- 2–30 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef, cave
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Eastern Pacific
Description
Sargocentron coruscum reaches 14 cm. Small holocentrid with red body with white spots scattered on flanks, distinctive black mark at front base of spiny dorsal. Large black eyes. Lives from 2 to 30 m in caves, under-corals and crevices of coral reefs of Caribbean. Listed LC. Nocturnal and very cryptic during day. More discreet than Holocentrus cousins but interesting macro photo subject for its spotted pattern and small size.
Photo of Reef squirrelfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Reef squirrelfish?
- Reef squirrelfish (Sargocentron coruscum) reaches 8–14 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Reef squirrelfish?
- Reef squirrelfish is found between 2–30 m deep.
- Is the Reef squirrelfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Reef squirrelfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Reef squirrelfish?
- Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the genus Sargocentron
Other species in the family Holocentridae
- Holocentrus adscensionis - Squirrelfish
- Myripristis jacobus - Blackbar soldierfish
- Neoniphon marianus - Longjaw squirrelfish
- Holocentrus rufus - Longspine squirrelfish
- Myripristis vittata - Whitetip soldierfish
- Myripristis murdjan - Blotcheye soldierfish
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 272207)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2356835)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia