All fish / Holocentridae

Hawaiian Squirrelfish

Sargocentron xantherythrum

Also known as hawaiian squirrelfish, red squirrelfish, clearfin squirrelfish, squirrelfish, alaihi, ハワイアンスクワーレルフィッシュ, 夏威夷棘鳞鱼

A bright red squirrelfish with thin white stripes along the body, large dark eyes and a spiny dorsal fin. It is found only around Hawaii and is kept for its strong colour and its active behaviour at dusk and night in large reef or fish-only tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

15 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Singly or in a small group in a large tank

Diet

Carnivore: frozen shrimp, mysis, krill, chopped seafood and other meaty foods, best offered in the evening

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, central Pacific

Breeding

It spawns in open water and releases pelagic eggs with a long drifting larval stage. It has not been bred reliably in home aquariums.

Good to know

Sharp fin and gill cover spines can injure hands and catch in nets, and it will eat small fish and shrimps that fit in its mouth. Provide caves and dim areas, as it is shy by day.