Description

Also known as Fanfin Soldier, Spot-tailed Soldierfish, Tailspot Squirrelfish, Whitetail Squirrelfish.

Found singly or in schools, during the day in caves, crevices, and under ledges, dispersing at night foraging for food over drop-offs, lagoons, and outer reefs. Tail white during the day, but at night entire fish bright red.
They feed on benthic crabs and shrimps.
Length - 25cm
Depth - 1-40m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Squirrelfish are nocturnal hunters feeding near the bottom on small fish and swimming crustaceans. During the day they often congregate close to reefs and in caves, sometimes found upside down in caves.
Their colour can change greatly in different lights and if threatened.
Some of this family have venomous spines. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Sargocentron-caudimaculatum