Common name: Blackblotch squirrelfish

Scientific name: Sargocentron melanospilos (Bleeker, 1858)
スミツキカノコ

General information

The Ebony Squirrelfish, Sargocentron melanospilos, is a striking species known for its vibrant red coloration with white spots and a distinctive black blotch on the dorsal fin. This nocturnal species is relatively shy and reclusive, often hiding in crevices during the day and emerging at night 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 spots
Diet
Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at small fish/inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Aggressive, especially at night
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Squirrelfish
    Beryciformes
  5. Family
    Squirrelfish
    Holocentridae
  6. Genus
    Squirrelfish
    Sargocentron
  7. Species
    Blackblotch squirrelfish
    Sargocentron melanospilos (Bleeker, 1858)
  8. Synonyms
    Holocentrum melanospilos Bleeker, 1858
    Sargocentron melanospilus (Bleeker, 1858)

Care

Ebony Squirrelfish require an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. They are best kept with other non-aggressive species. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh is essential for their health. It's important to note that they can grow up to 18 cm (7 inches) in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their size.

Reproduction

In the wild, Squirrelfish are known to spawn in groups, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding spaces can encourage natural behaviors.

Habitat

Ebony 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 areas, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 100 feet).