Fin's Fish Guide
The Nannygai (Sargocentron rubrum) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 32 cm.
Indo-Pacific, on coastal reefs, silty reefs and wrecks in lagoons, bays and harbours.
Description
The redcoat is a squirrelfish (family Holocentridae) of the Indo-Pacific. The species reaches about 32 cm and has a fusiform body with alternating red and silvery-white longitudinal stripes and large eyes. It inhabits coastal reefs, silty reefs or wrecks in lagoons, bays and harbours, sometimes in aggregations, and shelters by day in caves and crevices. At night it hunts crustaceans and small fishes. The fish bears a sharp gill-cover spine that can cause painful puncture wounds. The species is of modest commercial value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Nannygai?
The Nannygai has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Nocturnal, red-and-white striped reef fish with a sharp opercular spine; Lessepsian migrant in the Mediterranean Sea.
Where does the Nannygai live?
The Nannygai lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific, on coastal reefs, silty reefs and wrecks in lagoons, bays and harbours.
How big does the Nannygai get?
The Nannygai grows to a maximum of about 32 cm. On average the species is around 27 cm.
Is the Nannygai dangerous to humans?
The Nannygai is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Beware the sharp gill-cover spine, which can cause painful puncture wounds; clean the wound and seek medical care if pain or inflammation increases.
Is the Nannygai edible?
The Nannygai is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Nannygai 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
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Nannygai is one of 12,519 species in the app.