Sargocentron spiniferum

(Forsskal, 1775)

Vernacular names
English : Sabre squirrelfish
French : Poisson-écureuil géant

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Holocentriformes
Family : Holocentridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The largest member of its family growing to 51 cm. Deep body with straight forehead and large mouth with lower jaw slightly projecting. Coloration bright red with light edges to scales. Yellow-orange fins, red spot on preopercle.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii, north to south Japan, south to New Caledonia and north Australia. Lives in reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs with ledges, to 122 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a huge range and is at least locally numerous. It doesn’t seem to suffer from any threats at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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