Page 264 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

262 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

SQUIRRELFISH

The red color, large eyes, and fitful
movements of these attractive fish are
reminiscent of terrestrial squirrels. The eye
size is an adaptation for nocturnal living in
sheltered areas near the base of coral reefs,
where it is vital to gather as much light as
possible from the gloomy surroundings.
Certain species are known as soldierfish,
and this name is often used interchangeably
with squirrelfish, but in zoological terms,
only the subfamily Myripristinae can be
correctly described as soldierfish.

Squirrelfish spend the daylight hours sheltering in crevices
then emerge at night to patrol their territory. This is a group
of Bigeye Soldierfish (Myripristis bernelti).

Myripristis bernelti Myripristis vittata Sargocentron caudimaculatum
Bigeye Soldierfish Whitetip Soldierfish Tailspot Squirrelfish

ORIGINS Found on reefs over a wide area from East ORIGINS Indo-Pacific; range includes the Maldives, ORIGINS Ranges from East Africa, through the Indo-
Africa across the Pacific to Tahiti and Hawaii. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and Samoa. Pacific, to the Maldives, Vanuatu, and Samoa.
SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 15 cm (6 in). SIZE Up to 10 in (25 cm).
DIET Animal-based foods. DIET Fresh or thawed invertebrates, such as mussels. DIET Fresh or prepared meat-based foods.
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.022–1.025. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.022–1.025. (pH 8.0–8.3) with SG 1.022–1.025.
TEMPERAMENT Social with its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Social with its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Shy, but social with its own kind.
The large eyes and the mottled appearance caused The large scales that characterize this group of fish
by the dark-edged scales are the most distinctive are clearly visible in the Tailspot Squirrelfish,
features of this species. It will adapt to daylight where they are emphasized by their silvery
feeding. Soldierfish are fairly easy to keep, but outlines. These squirrelfish are shy by nature,
they should be housed in groups; otherwise, they so the aquarium needs to incorporate the
remain nervous in aquarium surroundings. This equivalent of rocky ledges, where the fish can
means that a relatively large tank is required. hide away. In addition, the lighting must not be
too bright, or it may deter the fish from feeding.
Dark vertical streak at the edge White leading edge to fins
of the gill covers Plain silvery white area
The white tips on the front dorsal fin help to
identify the Whitetip Soldierfish. Like other
soldierfish, it can vocalize, making a grunting sound
by contracting the muscles surrounding its swim
bladder and grinding its pharyngeal teeth (located
at the back of the throat). Grunting is most likely to
be heard if the fish feels threatened. This species
usually swims in the lower part of the aquarium,
although, like other soldierfish, it prefers to feed in
the upper levels, rather than from the substrate.

US_262-263_Squirrelfish.indd 262 29/08/18 4:10 PM