Common Squirrelfish

Holocentrus adscensionis

Also known as: Common Soldierfish, Cook, Hardback Soldier, Longjaw Squirrelfish, Maryanne, Rotten Finger, Striped Squirrelfish, Welchman, Welshman, Wenchman

ALSO KNOWN AS

Common Soldierfish
Cook
Hardback Soldier
Longjaw Squirrelfish
Maryanne
Rotten Finger
Striped Squirrelfish
Welchman
Welshman
Wenchman

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2015

Add a photo

Common Squirrelfish adult, photographed at Bonaire - Dive site - Kline 2, Caribbean Netherlands — @fishx6 · Bonaire - Dive site - Kline 2, Caribbean Netherlands · November 20101 / 3

Overview

Found singly, or in schools, during the day hiding in deep crevices and under coral ledges, dispersing at night, hunting for food over sand and seagrass beds.

Soldierfish are nocturnal hunters feeding in the water column on zooplankton. During the day they often congregate close to reefs and in caves, sometimes found upside down in caves.
They can often be heard by divers with their pops, grunts and clicks.
Their colour can change greatly in different lights and if threatened.
Some soldierfish have venomous spines.

How to identify

COLOURS

Pattern: white blotches
Behaviour: changes colour hides nocturnal schooling shelters in crevices solitary

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Habitat & where to find it

Range · Western Atlantic, Caribbean, Eastern Atlantic
Country only · 3

LIVES IN

Found singly, or in schools, during the day hiding in deep crevices and under coral ledges, dispersing at night, hunting for food over sand and seagrass beds.

RANGE