Sargocentron spiniferum

Sargocentron spiniferum, common name sabre squirrelfish, giant squirrelfish and spiny squirrelfish, is a large Indo-Pacific species of squirrelfish belonging to the family Holocentridae.

Description

Sargocentron spiniferum is the largest squirrelfish in its range and can reach up to in length and in weight. A more common length for S. spiniferum is. The body is oval and laterally compressed. The head has a pointed snout and large eyes, being largely nocturnal. The basic colour is bright red. It has silver scale margins, a spinous dorsal fin and a large deep red patch just behind the eyes. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw. It bears a very long preopercle spine. The anal and ventral fins are yellowish. The caudal fin is clearly bifid.

Distribution

This species is widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean up to Hawaii, Japan and southern Australia.

Habitat

This squirrelfish can be found in tropical waters on coral reefs, from shallow water to a depth of.