Sargocentron spiniferum is the largest of the squirrelfishes and is frequently taken by handlining at night. Despite its boniness, it is considered to be a good food fish.
Details
§ 01
size
Common to 35 cm; max. 45 cm
color
Body red. The edges of the scale silvery white. A large white vertically elongate crimson spot on head behind eyes. Spinous portion of dorsal fin solid deep red.
Associated with coral reefs, this creature hides during the day and comes out to forage when night falls. Its diet consists mainly of crustaceans.
distinctive characters
This species has a dorsal fin with 11 spines and 14-16 rays, an anal fin with 4 spines and 9-10 (usually 10) rays, and a pectoral fin with 14-16 rays. Its body depth is 2.4-2.6 times its standard length, and its dorsal profile of the head is nearly straight. The lower jaw projects when the mouth is closed, and the preopercular spine of adults is longer than the eye diameter. Additionally, the spinous dorsal membranes are not incised.