Fin's Fish Guide
The Armed squirrel-fish (Neoniphon sammara) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 32 cm.
Indo-Pacific; seagrass beds and hard-bottom habitats of lagoon and seaward reefs.
Description
The sammara squirrelfish is a squirrelfish of the family Holocentridae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 32 cm and has a slender, silvery body with red-brown longitudinal stripes and a red dorsal fin. This schooling species inhabits seagrass beds and hard-bottomed habitats, from the reef flat to at least 46 metres on lagoon and seaward reefs, often near branching corals. By day it shelters; at night it hunts crustaceans and small fishes. On the gill cover is a sharp spine that can cause cuts, so careful handling is advised.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Armed squirrel-fish?
The Armed squirrel-fish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Red-brown longitudinal stripes and a sharp spine on the operculum; nocturnal schooling fish.
Where does the Armed squirrel-fish live?
The Armed squirrel-fish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; seagrass beds and hard-bottom habitats of lagoon and seaward reefs.
How big does the Armed squirrel-fish get?
The Armed squirrel-fish grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 23 cm.
Is the Armed squirrel-fish dangerous to humans?
The Armed squirrel-fish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The stout, sharp fin spines can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle the fish with care. Clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases.
Is the Armed squirrel-fish edible?
The Armed squirrel-fish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Neoniphon
More from the family Holocentridae
Want the complete picture on the Armed squirrel-fish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Armed squirrel-fish is one of 12,519 species in the app.