Squirrelfish/Soldierfish (Holocentridae)
Family Characteristics:
Squirrelfish are large-eyed nocturnal fishes that hide by day among crevices in the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They usually have red patterning on their elongate bodies, spines on the gill covers and sharp rays on the fins. The dorsal fin looks as if it has two separate parts: a long-based spiny part at the front and a high triangular softer rayed section at the back. The scales and gill cover are extremely rough; take great care when netting or handling, as this can easily damage the fish.
Diet And Feeding:
In the aquarium, squirrelfish rapidly adjust to a daytime eating routine and a diet consisting of chopped worm foods and small fish.
Aquarium Behavior:
Squirrelfish are very active and need a sufficiently large aquarium to accommodate their energetic way of life. Remember that other small fish may not welcome such boisterous companions.
List Of Popular Aquarium Squirrelfish And Soldierfish:
- Common Squirrelfish (Holocentrus diadema)
- White Tip Squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus)
- Big Eye Squirrelfish, Blotcheye (Myripristis murdjan)
- Glass Eye Squirrelfish (Heteropriacanthus cruentatus)
- Popeye Catalufa Soldierfish (Pristigenys serrula)
- Striped Squirrelfish (Saragocentron xantherythrum)
