Fin's Fish Guide
The Horned squirrelfish (Sargocentron cornutum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The threespot squirrelfish is a squirrelfish (Holocentridae) from the western Pacific. The species has a red-and-white striped body with large eyes, characteristic of the nocturnal squirrelfishes. It inhabits coral-rich parts of outer reef slopes and drop-offs to over 40 m deep. By day it shelters in caves or beneath ledges; at night it forages on crustaceans and small invertebrates. The sharp spine on the gill cover can give a painful cut if handled; otherwise the fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Horned squirrelfish?
The Horned squirrelfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Red-and-white striped with large eyes; nocturnal; sharp opercular spine.
Where does the Horned squirrelfish live?
The Horned squirrelfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; coral-rich outer reef slopes and drop-offs.
How big does the Horned squirrelfish get?
The Horned squirrelfish grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Horned squirrelfish dangerous to humans?
The Horned 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 Horned squirrelfish edible?
The Horned 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 Horned squirrelfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Horned squirrelfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.