Common name: Red squirrelfish
General information
The Longspine Squirrelfish, Sargocentron tiere, is a striking species known for its vibrant red color and elongated spines on the dorsal fin. This nocturnal fish is relatively shy during the day, often hiding in crevices and overhangs within the reef.
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 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
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderSquirrelfishBeryciformes
- FamilySquirrelfishHolocentridae
- GenusSquirrelfishSargocentron
- SpeciesRed squirrelfishSargocentron tiere (Cuvier, 1829)
- SynonymsAdioryx elongatus (Bliss, 1883)Adioryx tiere (Cuvier, 1829)Holocenthrus polynesiae Fowler, 1904Holocentrum elongatum Bliss, 1883Holocentrum erythraeum Günther, 1859Holocentrum poecilopterus Bleeker, 1855Holocentrum tiere Cuvier, 1829Holocentrus tiere Cuvier, 1829Perca holocentrus Forster, 1844
Care
In the aquarium, Longspine Squirrelfish require a tank with plenty of hiding places and a peaceful environment. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a variety of prepared foods, but they thrive on a diet that includes fresh or frozen meaty foods like shrimp and squid.
Reproduction
In the wild, Longspine 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 large, well-maintained tank with multiple individuals may encourage spawning behavior.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Sargocentron tiere is commonly found in coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They prefer areas with ample cover and can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to over 60 meters deep.