Redcoat Squirrelfish (Sargocentron rubrum)

Also known as Red Soldier, Red Soldierfish, Red Squirrelfish, Red Squirrelfish Redcoat, Redcoat, Redcoat Grouper, Red-striped Squirrelfish, Russet Squirrelfish, Scarlet-tailed Squirrelfish

Description

Also known as Red Soldier, Red Soldierfish, Red Squirrelfish, Red Squirrelfish Redcoat, Redcoat, Redcoat Grouper, Red-striped Squirrelfish, Russet Squirrelfish, Scarlet-tailed Squirrelfish.

Found singly, or in schools, sheltering during the day, around caves, cracks, and crevices over areas with strong currents, dispersing at night foraging for food in silty bays, harbours, lagoons, coastal reefs, and around wrecks.
They feed nocturnally on crustaceans and small fish.
Length - 32cm
Depth - 1-84m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, Mediterranean

Mediterranean migrant via the Suez Canal.

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.de/summary/Sargocentron-rubrum.html

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