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 with forked, yellow-orange tails. They have small spines that secrete venom for protection. While not deadly to humans, their stings can be painful. They get their name from the chirping and grunting sounds they make with their swim bladder.