Reef squirrelfish
📖 Overview
Inhabit sandy, rocky and coral bottoms . More common on seaward reefs than on protected reefs. Retreat into recesses when alarmed . Nocturnal . Secretive, found deep in crevices between branches of live corals . Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 8. Body slender, sides compressed. Snout spinules prominent, spine extending into the posterior narial opening. White stripes on upper sides narrow, separated by broader dark bands . Body with alternate stripes of red and silvery white; spinous dorsal fin red, white at tips, with a large black spot between the first 3 or 4 spines .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Reef squirrelfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Reef squirrelfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Reef squirrelfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m , usually ? - 22 m . Tropical; 33°N - 7°N, 99°W - 58°W South America.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Reef squirrelfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 151 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Reef squirrelfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adioryx coruscus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Holocentrum coruscum | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Holocentrus coruscus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Holocentrus puncticulatus | Barbour | 1905 | Synonym |
| Holocentrus tortugae | Jordan & Thompson | 1905 | Synonym |
| Neoniphon coruscum | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 56 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Reef squirrelfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.