Violet squirrelfish
📖 Overview
Uncommon in atoll reef flats, lagoon patch reefs, and steep outer reef slopes. Solitary and secretive species, occasionally seen in small crevices in clear water habitats . Strictly nocturnal, feeds mainly on benthic crabs and shrimps. Spine of preopercle is venomous. Usually among rich coral growth (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12 - 15; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 9. Body color brownish to purplish red; head primarily red; upper part of opercular membrane blackish; each scale with vertical silvery white line. Four to five oblique scale rows on cheek; body depth 2.3-2.7 in SL; head length (HL) 2.4-2.85 in SL; snout length 3.75-4.35 in HL; maxilla extending posteriorly from below front of pupil to below center of the eye, upper jaw length 2.7-2.85 in HL; premaxillary groove about a vertical at front edge of orbit; anterior end of nasal bone with 2 diverging spines; medial margin of nasal bone spineless (however, a Seychelles specimen 20.6 cm has one small spinule on the edge); 1-3 spinules on anterior and posterior margins of nasal fossa; suborbital bones' upper edge smooth anteriorly, becoming slightly serrate posteriorly (serrae as recumbent spinules); adults' preopercular spines long, 2.85-3.8 in HL (at least equal to orbit diameter). 2 opercular spines with the lower nearly as long or equal to the upper spine; 4th dorsal spine longest, .5-2.95 in HL; membranes of spinous dorsal fin not incised; 3rd anal spine 1.5-1.7 in HL . Has a high body similar to S. spiniferum, but differs in coloration and does not get as large.: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Violet squirrelfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Violet squirrelfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Violet squirrelfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 100 m , usually 1 - 15 m . Tropical; 30°N - 24°S north to Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef; Palau to the eastern Caroline and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
🌿 Ecology
benthic crabs and shrimps
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Red-faced Squirrelfish · violet squirrelfish · White-edged Squirrelfish |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Sumirebisu · スミレエビス |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 白边棘鳞鱼 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adioryx violaceus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Holocentrum violaceum | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Holocentrus violaceus | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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