Tailspot Squirrelfish
Sargocentron caudimaculatum
Max Size
See in AppMax Weight
—
Max Depth
40 m
Description
Other names: Silverspot Squirrelfish.
Description
Coloration: Head and body are red, edges of scales silver; silvery white spot anterodorsally on caudal peduncle (often disappears after death); spinous part of dorsal fin mottled light red, the outer part of the membranes bright red. 4-5 oblique rows of scales on cheek.
Body depth 2.3-2.7 in SL; head length 2.3-2.8 in SL; snout length 3.6-4.0 in head length. Maxilla extending posteriorly from front of pupil to the center of eye; upper jaw length 2.7-2.95 in head length; premaxillary groove reaching about front edge of orbit; anterior end of nasal bone with 2 short diverging spines; spine at edge of premaxillary groove absent; anterior edge of nasal fossa with 1 (rarely 2) spinule; upper edge of first suborbital bone not serrated.
Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-15; Anal spines: 4; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9.
It can reach sizes of up to 25.0 centimetres (9.8 in) TL.
Distribution
It is native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans from East Africa to Japan and northern Australia and as far east as the Marshall Islands.
Habitat
It lives near reefs, but can also be found in lagoons and drop-offs at depths between 2 and 40 metres (6.6 and 131.2 ft). It is a nocturnal predator, feeding primarily on crabs and shrimps.
Although it is caught commercially and can be found in the aquarium trade, there are no known major threats to this species.
Where to Find
Colors
Habitat and Environment
Coral reef
Social Behaviour
Group
Solitary
Conservation status
(LC) Least concern
Edible
See in SeabookVenomous
See in SeabookSimilar Species
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tailspot Squirrelfish dangerous?
Tailspot Squirrelfish is classified as: Yes. Always exercise caution and keep a safe distance.
Where can you find Tailspot Squirrelfish?
Tailspot Squirrelfish can be found in: Egypt East, Laccadive Islands, Mariana Islands, Australia West, Saudi Arabia West, Malaysia East, Taiwan, Marshall Islands, Malaysia West, Hawaii, Somalia East, Vanuatu, Sudan, Brunei, China, Myanmar, Eritrea, Australia, Kenya, India, Israel, USA West, Japan South, India East, India West, Thailand West, Israel South, Oman, Somalia North, Australia East, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Vietnam, Seychelles, Indo-Pacific, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Polynesia, Tanzania, Malaysia, USA, South Africa, Red Sea, Japan, Indonesia, Chagos Islands, Mozambique, Jordan, Palau, Philippines, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Micronesia, Egypt, Tonga and Samoa, Yemen, Mascarene Islands, Madagascar, Kiribati, Djibouti, Comoros, Fiji, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Somalia.
How deep does Tailspot Squirrelfish live?
Tailspot Squirrelfish can be found at depths of up to 40 meters.