Common name: Blackblotch squirrelfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderSquirrelfishBeryciformes
- FamilySquirrelfishHolocentridae
- GenusSquirrelfishSargocentron
- SpeciesBlackblotch squirrelfishSargocentron melanospilos (Bleeker, 1858)
- SynonymsHolocentrum melanospilos Bleeker, 1858Sargocentron 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).