Common name: Samurai squirrelfish
General information
The Japanese Squirrelfish, Sargocentron ittodai, is a striking species known for its vibrant red coloration and large, expressive eyes. This nocturnal fish is a member of the family Holocentridae and is appreciated by aquarists for its unique appearance and behavior. During the day, it tends to hide in crevices or under overhangs, becoming more active at night when it ventures out to feed.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Nocturnal, needs hiding places
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen food
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially at night
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderSquirrelfishBeryciformes
- FamilySquirrelfishHolocentridae
- GenusSquirrelfishSargocentron
- SpeciesSamurai squirrelfishSargocentron ittodai (Jordan & Fowler, 1902)
- SynonymsAdioryx ittodai (Jordan & Fowler, 1902)Holocentrus ittodai Jordan & Fowler, 1902Sargocentron ittadai (Jordan & Fowler, 1902)
Care
Japanese Squirrelfish are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in an aquarium if provided with the right conditions. They require a tank with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment, as they can be shy and easily stressed by aggressive tank mates. A diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and various prepared frozen foods will help maintain their health and coloration.
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 less common, but with careful attention to water quality and diet, it is possible to encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Sargocentron ittodai is found in the Western Pacific, from southern Japan to the South China Sea and Indonesia. They typically inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops at depths ranging from 10 to 100 meters, where they can retreat to safety during the day.