Hawaiian squirrelfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits seaward reefs below the surge zone, common near caves and ledges . Feeds mainly on crustaceans.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 9. Body with alternating about stripes of red and silvery white; head red; operculum with silvery reflections, a white streak from above edge of upper jaw to the corner of pre, and a narrow white band on posterior edge of preopercle. Five oblique scale rows on cheek; body depth 2.7-3.1 in SL; head length (HL) 2.55-2.75 in SL; snout length 3.85-4.15 in HL; interorbital width 4.8-5.15 in HL; maxilla extending from below front of the pupil nearly to center of the eye, upper jaw length 2.55-2.8 in HL; premaxillary groove at least to a vertical at front edge of the orbit; rounded anterior end of nasal; medial margin of nasal bone spineless; small nasal fossa without spinules on margin; slight ridge along the upper edge of suborbital bones smooth anteriorly, slightly serrate below posterior part of eye; preopercular spine, 5.4-7.1 in HL; 2 opercular spines (1 specimen with a large opercular spine), the lower 1/2 to 2/3 length of the upper spine; 4th dorsal spine usually longest, 2.2-2.55 in HL; 3rd anal spine 1.5-2.05 in HL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
This is a nocturnal species that inhabits seaward reefs below the surge zone, and is common near caves and ledges. It feeds mainly on worms, crustaceans and starfish.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Hawaiian squirrelfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Hawaiian squirrelfish is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 217 m . Tropical; 27°N - 16°N, 175°W - 154°W Central Pacific: known only from the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll.
🌿 Ecology
crustaceans
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Hawaiian 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 | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 182 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Hawaiian 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 xantherythrus | Jordan & Evermann | 1903 | Synonym |
| Holocentrus xantherythrus | Jordan & Evermann | 1903 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .
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