Threespot squirrelfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits coral-rich areas of outer reef slopes and drop-offs to depths greater than 40 m . Hides in caves or beneath ledges by day; forage for food at night, mainly on benthic crabs and shrimps. Spine of preopercle venomous.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 13; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 3rd or 4th dorsal spines longest, 1.8-2.0 HL; pectoral rays 13-14 (usually 13); lateral line scales 33-38, scale rows above 2.5; oblique scale rows on cheek 4; gill rakers of first gill arch 5-7 + 9-11; body depth 2.7-3.0 in SL; posterior edge of nasal fossa with 1-6 spinules, 0-1 at anterior edge; upper edge of first suborbital bone with a laterally projecting spine near a vertical at the front edge of orbit, followed by a serrated ridge; preopercular spine 3/4 to nearly equal to orbit diameter, 2.85-3.5 in head length. Colour of body with alternating broad deep red and narrow silvery stripes on body; distinct black spot on middle of caudal-fin base; black marks at base of soft dorsal and anal fins; dark streak near anterior edge of anal fin .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Threespot squirrelfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 6 - 40 m . Tropical; 20°N - 25°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holocentrum cornutum | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Holocentrus cornutum | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
| Sargocentrum cornutum | Bleeker | 1854 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 18 records indexed .
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