Squirrelfish

40 species

Squirrelfish, belonging to the family Holocentridae, are an intriguing addition to reef aquariums due to their striking appearance and nocturnal behavior. These fish are characterized by their large eyes, which are adapted for their nighttime hunting activities, and their vibrant red or orange coloration, often with distinctive silver or white markings. Squirrelfish are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, often residing in crevices and caves on coral reefs during the day and emerging at night to feed on small invertebrates and plankton.

One of the key considerations for keeping Squirrelfish in a home aquarium is their need for plenty of hiding spots. Since they are nocturnal, they require shaded areas or caves where they can retreat during daylight hours. Additionally, they are known for their loud vocalizations, which they produce by grinding their teeth or using their swim bladder, so be prepared for some underwater 'chatter'.

Squirrelfish are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions, but they do best in well-maintained tanks with stable parameters. They can be kept with a variety of other fish, but it's essential to avoid tank mates that are small enough to be considered prey. They are also known to be somewhat shy and may take time to acclimate to a new environment.

In terms of diet, Squirrelfish are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet that includes meaty foods such as shrimp, krill, and other marine-based proteins. It's important to feed them during the evening or early morning hours to align with their natural feeding habits.

Overall, Squirrelfish can be a fascinating and beautiful addition to a reef aquarium, provided their specific needs are met. Their unique behavior and striking appearance make them a standout choice for aquarists looking to add some nocturnal activity to their tanks.

  1. Pineapplefish (Cleidopus gloriamaris)
    Common name: Pineapplefish
    Scientific name: Cleidopus gloriamaris
  2. Common name: Yellowfin soapfish
    Scientific name: Diploprion drachi
  3. holocentrus adscensionis
    Common name: Squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Holocentrus adscensionis
  4. Longspine Squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus)
    Common name: longspine squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Holocentrus rufus
  5. Japanese Pinecone Fish (Monocentris japonica)
    Common name: Japanese Pinecone Fish
    Scientific name: Monocentris japonica
  6. Shadowfin soldierfish, Myripristis adusta, in Maldives
    Common name: Shadowfin soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis adusta
  7. Bigscale and Brick soldierfish (Myripristis berndti and M. amena) hanging out beneath an overhang on Molokini Backwall offshore of Maui; Molokini Crater, Maui, Hawaii, United States of America
    Common name: Brick soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis amaena
  8. Big-eyed soldierfish (Myripristis berndti) in Japan
    Common name: Squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis berndti
  9. Doubletooth soldierfish (Myripristis hexagona).
    Common name: Blacktip soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis botche
  10. School of fish underwater in ocean
    Common name: Yellowfin soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis chryseres
  11. Doubletooth soldierfish (Myripristis hexagona).
    Common name: Doubletooth soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis hexagona
  12. Myripristis jacobus, Blackbar soldierfish
    Common name: blackbar soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis jacobus
  13. Epaulette Soldierfish (Myripristis Kuntee) Next To Coral Reef; Kona, Island Of Hawaii, Hawaii, United States Of America
    Common name: Shoulderbar soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis kuntee
  14. Pinecone soldierfish (Myripristis murdjan)
    Common name: Pinecone soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis murdjan
  15. Myripristis pralinia swimming above old crashed motorbike
    Common name: Scarlet soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis pralinia
  16. Violet soldierfish, Myripristis violacea, Raja Ampat Indonesia.
    Common name: Scarlet soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis violacea
  17. Myripristis Murdjan, Big eye Soldierfish.
    Common name: Whitetip soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis vittata
  18. Common name: Yellowtip soldierfish
    Scientific name: Myripristis xanthacra
  19. Common name: Clearfin squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Neoniphon argenteus
  20. Common name: Yellowstriped squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Neoniphon aurolineatus
  21. Longjaw Squirrelfish in Little Cayman
    Common name: Longjaw squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Neoniphon marianus
  22. Macro red fish in blue cave with black coral and diver behind.
    Common name: Black squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Neoniphon opercularis
  23. Neoniphon sammara fish swimming around a sharp textured coral reef under the sea
    Common name: Sammara squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Neoniphon sammara
  24. Tailspot Squirrelfish Sargocentron caudimaculatum
    Common name: Squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron caudimaculatum
  25. Common name: Threespot squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron cornutum
  26. Common name: Wenchman
    Scientific name: Sargocentron coruscum
  27. Crowned squirrelfish
    Common name: Crown squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron diadema
  28. Common name: Yellow-striped squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron ensifer
  29. Giant Squirrelfish
    Common name: Red squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron hastatum
  30. Common name: Samurai squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron ittodai
  31. スミツキカノコ
    Common name: Blackblotch squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron melanospilos
  32. Common name: Smallmouth squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron microstoma
  33. Common name: Speckled squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron punctatissimum
  34. Soldier fish - Sargocentron rubrum under a shipwreck in Cyprus
    Common name: Redcoat squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron rubrum
  35. Sabre Squirrel Fish
    Common name: Sabre squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron spiniferum
  36. Riesen-Husarenfisch
    Common name: Red squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron tiere
  37. Closeup shot of a pink long-spined squirrelfish with silver stripes
    Common name: Pink squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron tiereoides
  38. Dusky Squirrelfish
    Common name: Welchman
    Scientific name: Sargocentron vexillarium
  39. Red-face Squirrelfish, Sargocentron violaceum, Coral Reef, South Ari Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean, Asia
    Common name: Violet squirrelfish
    Scientific name: Sargocentron violaceum
  40. A red and white striped squirrelfish, Sargocentron xantherythrum at a beautiful Red Sea coral reef near Hurghada, Egypt
    Common name: Red-white squirrel
    Scientific name: Sargocentron xantherythrum