Neoniphon argenteus (Valenciennes, 1831)

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Neoniphon argenteus, commonly called the clearfin squirrelfish or silver squirrelfish, is a rarely observed species in the family Holocentridae.

Geographic Range

It is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with a range extending from East Africa to New Caledonia. It occurs both north and south of Australia, and throughout Micronesia.

Habitat and Coral Association

This species inhabits areas around islands and shallow reefs, and like N. sammara, it associates with Acropora corals.

Depth Range and Size

It lives at depths between 3 and 20 metres (9.8 to 65.6 feet), and can grow to a maximum total length of 24.0 centimetres (9.4 inches).

Diet

It feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates.

Human Use and Conservation Status

Neoniphon argenteus is collected for the ornamental fish trade and used as bait in tuna fisheries, though there are no known major threats to the species at this time.