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North Pacific squirrelfish (Sargocentron spinosissimum) — Holocentridae

North Pacific squirrelfish

Sargocentron spinosissimum
Family: Holocentridae

The North Pacific squirrelfish (Sargocentron spinosissimum) is a saltwater fish of the family Holocentridae that grows up to 18 cm.

Length
17.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
120.0–230.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Can cause injury

Description

The North Pacific squirrelfish is a squirrelfish (Holocentridae) from rocky and coral-reef water of the northwestern Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a red-silver body with white lengthwise stripes, large eyes and rough, spiny scales. As a nocturnal fish it shelters in crevices and under overhangs by day and hunts small crustaceans at night. On the gill cover it bears a sharp spine that can give a cut when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the North Pacific squirrelfish?

The North Pacific squirrelfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the North Pacific squirrelfish live?

The North Pacific squirrelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the North Pacific squirrelfish get?

The North Pacific squirrelfish grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.

Is the North Pacific squirrelfish dangerous to humans?

The North Pacific squirrelfish can cause injury; handle it with care.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stekel-eekhoornvis sourced
English name
North Pacific squirrelfish sourced
Scientific name
Sargocentron spinosissimum
Family
Holocentridae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
120.0 verified
Max depth (m)
230.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Can cause injury verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Sargocentron

More from the family Holocentridae

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