Fin's Fish Guide
The Peppered squirrel (Sargocentron punctatissimum) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 23 cm.
Description
The speckled squirrelfish is a squirrelfish (Holocentridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a reddish, silvery-speckled body with large eyes, adapted to a nocturnal life. It inhabits surge-swept tunnels and crevices of the reef margin and reef front, usually shallower than 30 m. By day it shelters in crevices; at night it hunts small crustaceans and invertebrates. The spine on the gill cover (preoperculum) is venomous and gives a painful puncture wound; treat a sting with hot water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Peppered squirrel?
The Peppered squirrel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Large eyes for nocturnal life; venomous preopercular spine that can cause a painful puncture wound.
Where does the Peppered squirrel live?
The Peppered squirrel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; reef margin and reef front.
How big does the Peppered squirrel get?
The Peppered squirrel grows to a maximum of about 23 cm.
Is the Peppered squirrel dangerous to humans?
The Peppered squirrel is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The fin spines are venomous and give a painful, burning puncture wound. Immerse the wound for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) and seek medical care if pain or infection persists.
Is the Peppered squirrel edible?
The Peppered squirrel 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 Peppered squirrel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Peppered squirrel is one of 12,519 species in the app.