Neoniphon sammara (Forsskål, 1775)

Common Names

Neoniphon sammara, commonly called the sammara squirrelfish, also goes by the common names blood-spot squirrelfish, slender squirrelfish, spotfin squirrelfish, armed squirrel-fish, and javelin squirrelfish.

Geographical Distribution

This squirrelfish species occurs in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands.

Feeding Behavior

It forages for shrimps, small crabs, and small fish during the night.

Size

The species reaches a maximum total length of 32.0 centimetres (12.6 in), with a more common total length of 23.0 centimetres (9.1 in).

Venomous Defensive Feature

Like the related species Neoniphon opercularis, it carries a venomous spine on its preopercle.

Social Grouping and Habitat

Neoniphon sammara lives either alone or in small groups, occupying seagrass beds and hard substrates in reef flats and lagoons.

Depth Range

It can be found at depths ranging from 0 to 46 metres (0 to 151 ft).

Habitat Associations

Among all species in its genus, it is the most frequently found in shallow waters, and it is often associated with Acropora corals, which it uses for shelter during the day.

Human Uses

Neoniphon sammara is not commonly consumed as food, but it is a common species in the Indian aquarium trade. It can also be used as bait in tuna fisheries.