About Sargocentron spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775)
Sargocentron spiniferum is the largest squirrelfish within its native range. It can grow up to 51 cm (20 in) long and weigh up to 2.6 kg (5.7 lb), though a more common adult length is 35 cm (14 in). The related Atlantic species Holocentrus adscensionis can grow longer than S. spiniferum, but it has a slimmer body. S. spiniferum has an oval, laterally compressed body. Its head has a pointed snout and large eyes, and the species is largely nocturnal. Its base body color is bright red, with silver margins along its scales. It has a spinous dorsal fin, and a large deep red patch located just behind its eyes. The lower jaw protrudes out past the upper jaw, and the species carries a very long preopercle spine near the gill opening. Its anal and ventral fins are yellowish, and its caudal fin is clearly bifid. This species is widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean all the way to Hawaii, Japan, and southern Australia. It lives in tropical waters on coral reefs, and can be found from shallow water down to a depth of 120 m (390 ft).
