Smallmouth Squirrelfish

Sargocentron microstoma

Also known as: Fine-lined Squirrelfish, Red-and-Silver Squirrelfish, Silver Squirrelfish, Slender Squirrelfish

ALSO KNOWN AS

Fine-lined Squirrelfish
Red-and-Silver Squirrelfish
Silver Squirrelfish
Slender Squirrelfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016

VenomousKeep your distance

Add a photo

Smallmouth Squirrelfish adult, photographed at Rarotonga, Cook Islands — @fishx6 · Rarotonga, Cook Islands · August 20171 / 1

Overview

Found singly, or in small schools, during the day sheltering in the arms of staghorn corals, or close to crevices and holes, dispersing at night, to forage for food, over coral reefs.
They feed nocturnally on crustaceans, fish, and worms.

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.

How to identify

COLOURS

Pattern: stripes
Behaviour: changes colour nocturnal schooling shelters in caves shelters in crevices solitary upside down

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Habitat & where to find it

Range · Indo-Pacific
Country only · 1

LIVES IN

Found singly, or in small schools, during the day sheltering in the arms of staghorn corals, or close to crevices and holes, dispersing at night, to forage for food, over coral reefs.

RANGE