Sargocentron xantherythrum

Sargocentron xantherythrum, commonly known as Hawaiian squirrelfish or striped squirrelfish, is a member of the squirrelfish family. It is known from the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll.^[1][2][3] It is occasionally available in the aquarium trade. It grows to a total length of 17 centimeters (6.7 in).^[2][4]

Sargocentron xantherythrum
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Beryciformes
Family:	Holocentridae
Genus:	Sargocentron
Species:	S. xantherythrum
Binomial name
Sargocentron xantherythrum (D. S. Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Synonyms[1]
Holocentrus xantherythrus Jordan & Evermann, 1903

Description

This fish has a red coloration with white stripes running along the body. It has sharp gill spines and rough scales that can cause the fish to be snagged in netting materials.^[5]

Distribution and habitat

Sargocentron xantherythrum is usually found in reefs in tropical climates and lives in depths of 1–217 m (3 ft 3 in – 711 ft 11 in).^[2]

Behavior

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.^[4][5]