- Sargocentron diadema
-
Sargocentron diadema Squirrelfish Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Beryciformes Family: Holocentridae Genus: Sargocentron Species: S. diadema Binomial name Sargocentron diadema
(Lacepede, 1802)[1]Sargocentron diadema, also known as the crowned squirrelfish, is a member of the family Holocentridae of the order Beryciformes. Squirrelfish in general are large, active, nocturnal fish which are usually red in color.[2]
Contents
Geographical distribution and habitat
Crowned squirrelfish are commonly found on reefs of the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Tahiti.[3]
Physical description
Distinctive features
A number of thin white lines cross the bright red body of this fish from the gill cover to the caudal peduncle. Two vertical white lines cross the gill cover. A third line runs along the upper lip and below the eye, which is large, indicating the nocturnal activity of the family.[4]
Distinguishing between sexes
Unknown.
Aquarium care
Being active, they need a large, spacious aquarium. They are also shoaling fishes and benefit from being kept in the company of their own kind. Any small fishes in the aquarium may be intimidated by the boisterousness of the squirrelfishes so keep them only with other similarly sized fishes.[2] Offer this carnivorous fish a variety of meaty foods. They will take small fish as well, so choose their tankmates accordingly.[2]
Temperature, pH, and salinity
Crown squirrelfish are best kept at temperatures between 72-78F (22-26C). pH should be kept between 8.1-8.4. Salinity: 1.020-1.025 [5]
References
- ^ http://taxonomicon.taxonomy.nl/TaxonTree.aspx?id=44750
- ^ a b c The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Aquarium Fish & Fish Care, by Mary Bailey & Gena Sandford, page 246
- ^ Eyewitness Handbooks Aquarium Fish: The visual guide to more than 500 marine and freshwater fish varieties, by Dick Mills, page 284
- ^ Eyewitness Handbooks Aquarium Fish@ The visual guide to more than 500 marine and freshwater fish varieties, by Dick Mills, page 284
- ^ http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/Squirellfish/Crown.php
Categories:- Holocentridae
- Fish of Hawaii
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.