Blackspotted Squirrelfish (Holocentrus blackspotted)
Fish in the family Holocentridae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Blackspotted Squirrelfish has a deep crimson-red body with distinctive black spots scattered across the head, flanks, and fins. It possesses large eyes characteristic of nocturnal squirrelfishes, a slightly compressed body, and sharp spines along the dorsal and anal fins.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed live or frozen meaty foods such as small crustaceans, fish fry, brine shrimp, and quality prepared carnivore pellets. Blackspotted Squirrelfishes are nocturnal hunters and will feed primarily during evening and night hours.
Difficulty and care for the Blackspotted Squirrelfish
Moderate difficulty. Requires a substantial tank, nocturnal behavior means they are shy during the day, and they will predate small fish and crustaceans. They are hardy once acclimated but demand excellent water quality and appropriate live/meaty foods.
Common health issues
Ich, marine velvet, bacterial infections from stress or poor water quality
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East African coast, and throughout the Indo-Pacific to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef. Found in tropical coral reef environments at depths of 10–200 meters.
Log Blackspotted Squirrelfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Blackspotted Squirrelfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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