Common name: Sabre squirrelfish
General information
The Giant squirrelfish, Sargocentron spiniferum, is a striking species known for its vibrant red coloration and large, expressive eyes. This nocturnal fish is a member of the Holocentridae family and is often found hiding in crevices during the day. At night, it becomes more active, venturing out to feed.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Nocturnal, needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live, meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on 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
- SpeciesSabre squirrelfishSargocentron spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsAdioryx spinifer (Forsskål, 1775)Holocentrum binotatum Quoy & Gaimard, 1834Holocentrum leo Cuvier, 1829Holocentrum melanopterus Bleeker, 1855Holocentrum spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775)Holocentrum unipunctatum Günther, 1874Holocentrus bowiei Jordan & Snyder, 1905Holocentrus leo Cuvier, 1829Holocentrus spinifer (Forsskål, 1775)Holocentrus spiniferus (Forsskål, 1775)Holocentrus verticalis Seale, 1906Holocentrus xanthurus Fowler, 1944Perca spinifer (Forsskål, 1775)Sargocentron spinifer (Forsskål, 1775)Sciaena spinifer Forsskål, 1775Sciaena spinifera Forsskål, 1775
Care
Giant squirrelfish are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for intermediate aquarists. They require a tank with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment, as they can be shy. These fish are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and various prepared frozen foods.
Reproduction
In the wild, squirrelfish are known to spawn by releasing eggs and sperm into the water column, where fertilization occurs externally. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but providing a stress-free environment with ample space may encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Sargocentron spiniferum is commonly found in coral reefs and rocky outcrops, usually at depths ranging from 2 to 180 meters. They are often associated with reef slopes and drop-offs where they can retreat to safety if threatened.