Fin's Fish Guide
The Finelined squirrelfish (Sargocentron microstoma) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The smallmouth squirrelfish is a squirrelfish (Holocentridae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species has a red-and-white striped body with large eyes and a relatively small mouth, to which the name refers. It inhabits virtually all zones of the coral reef and stays benthopelagically in or near crevices and holes, often in thickets of staghorn Acropora or large coral heads. By day it shelters; at night it forages on crustaceans and small invertebrates. The sharp spine on the gill cover can give a painful cut if handled.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Finelined squirrelfish?
The Finelined squirrelfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Red-and-white striped with a small mouth; shelters in Acropora thickets; sharp opercular spine.
Where does the Finelined squirrelfish live?
The Finelined squirrelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; all zones of the coral reef.
How big does the Finelined squirrelfish get?
The Finelined squirrelfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Finelined squirrelfish dangerous to humans?
The Finelined squirrelfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The sharp spine on the gill cover (preoperculum) can give a painful cut if handled. Clean the wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Finelined squirrelfish edible?
The Finelined squirrelfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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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 Finelined squirrelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Finelined squirrelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.