About Sargocentron spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775)
Size
Sargocentron spiniferum is the largest squirrelfish within its native range. It can grow up to 51 cm (20 in) long and weigh up to 2.6 kg (5.7 lb), though a more common adult length is 35 cm (14 in).
Related Species Comparison
The related Atlantic species Holocentrus adscensionis can grow longer than S. spiniferum, but it has a slimmer body.
Body Shape
S. spiniferum has an oval, laterally compressed body.
Head & Activity Pattern
Its head has a pointed snout and large eyes, and the species is largely nocturnal.
Base Body Coloration
Its base body color is bright red, with silver margins along its scales.
Dorsal Fin & Head Marking
It has a spinous dorsal fin, and a large deep red patch located just behind its eyes.
Jaw & Preopercle Spine
The lower jaw protrudes out past the upper jaw, and the species carries a very long preopercle spine near the gill opening.
Fin Structure & Color
Its anal and ventral fins are yellowish, and its caudal fin is clearly bifid.
Geographic Range
This species is widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean all the way to Hawaii, Japan, and southern Australia.
Habitat & Depth Range
It lives in tropical waters on coral reefs, and can be found from shallow water down to a depth of 120 m (390 ft).
