Common name: Squirrelfish
General information
The Rearspot Squirrelfish, Sargocentron caudimaculatum, is a member of the family Holocentridae, known for their bright colors and large eyes. These nocturnal fish are characterized by their vibrant red bodies with white stripes and a distinctive black spot on the caudal peduncle, which gives them their common name.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at small fish
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial towards tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderSquirrelfishBeryciformes
- FamilySquirrelfishHolocentridae
- GenusSquirrelfishSargocentron
- SpeciesSquirrelfishSargocentron caudimaculatum (Rüppell, 1838)
- Synonyms? andamanensis Day, 1871Adioryx andamanensis (Day, 1871)Adioryx caudimaculatus (Rüppell, 1838)Holocentrum andamanense Day, 1871Holocentrum leonoides Bleeker, 1849Holocentrus andamanensis (Day, 1871)Holocentrus caudimaculatus Rüppell, 1838Holocentrus rubellio Seale, 1906Sargocentron caudomaculatum (Rüppell, 1838)
Care
Rearspot Squirrelfish are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for intermediate aquarists. They require an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment, as they can be shy and are easily stressed by aggressive tank mates. They thrive on a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish flesh.
Reproduction
In the wild, squirrelfish are known to spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs externally. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a large, well-maintained tank with multiple individuals may encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Rearspot Squirrelfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, typically at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters.