Sabre squirrelfish (Sargocentron spiniferum)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Sargocentron spiniferum
- Common name
- Sabre squirrelfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Holocentridae
- Genus
- Sargocentron
- Size
- 30–51 cm
- Depth
- 1–122 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- coral-reef
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal
- Ocean zones
- Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea
Description
Sargocentron spiniferum reaches 51 cm, the largest holocentrid. Uniform bright red body with prominent yellow operculum spot, long sharp potentially venomous pre-opercular spines (care when handling). Large black eyes adapted to nocturnal vision. Lives from 1 to 122 m on coral reefs of Indo-Pacific. Nocturnal, comes out to hunt small invertebrates and fish at night. Rests during day under table corals. Appreciated photo subject for warm colors and respectable size.
Photo of Sabre squirrelfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Sabre squirrelfish?
- Sabre squirrelfish (Sargocentron spiniferum) reaches 30–51 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Sabre squirrelfish?
- Sabre squirrelfish is found between 1–122 m deep.
- Is the Sabre squirrelfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Sabre squirrelfish?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Sabre squirrelfish?
- Found in: Asian Pacific, Indian Ocean & Red Sea.
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 217950)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2356873)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia