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Longspine squirrelfish

Holocentrus rufus

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Fun Facts

These fish are nocturnal feeders, meaning they hunt for food at night.

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Longspine squirrelfish

Size:

On average, these fish grow to 5.31 inches (13.5 centimeters).

Diet:

Crabs, shrimps, brittle stars and small marine invertebrates make up the diet of longspine squirrelfish.

Range & Habitat:

These fish can be found anywhere from the western Atlantic Ocean to the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit reefs, caves, holes in rocky areas and venture out to sandy/grassy areas to feed.

Details:

Longspine squirrelfish have flat, orange and white striped bodies and forked, yellow-orange tails. They have small spines that secrete poison used to protect themselves from predators. These squirrelfish also have large, black eyes.