Fin's Fish Guide
The Dark-striped squirrelfish (Sargocentron praslin) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 32 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Myanmar, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I. and others
Description
The Dark-striped squirrelfish is a squirrelfish (Holocentridae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, bright-red body with white-silver longitudinal stripes, conspicuously large eyes and rough scales. As a nocturnal fish it shelters by day in crevices and caves and hunts crustaceans and small fish by night. On the edge of the gill cover it bears a sharp spine that can give a cut when handled carelessly.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dark-striped squirrelfish?
The Dark-striped squirrelfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Dark-striped squirrelfish live?
The Dark-striped squirrelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Myanmar, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I. and others
How big does the Dark-striped squirrelfish get?
The Dark-striped squirrelfish grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Dark-striped squirrelfish dangerous to humans?
The Dark-striped squirrelfish can cause injury; handle it with care. For a cut or puncture from a sharp fin spine or gill cover: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Check that no spine fragment remains and watch for signs of infection; for a deep wound update tetanus protection.
Is the Dark-striped squirrelfish edible?
Yes, the Dark-striped squirrelfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Dark-striped squirrelfish and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sargocentron
More from the family Holocentridae
Want the complete picture on the Dark-striped squirrelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Dark-striped squirrelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.