Red Squirrelfish (Holocentrus red)
Fish in the family Holocentridae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Red Squirrelfish is a striking nocturnal species with a deep red and white vertically-striped body pattern. It has large eyes adapted for low-light vision, a pointed snout, and venomous spines along its dorsal and anal fins. The body is laterally compressed with a distinctive silvery-white stripe running along the flank.
Diet and feeding
Holocentrus ruber is a carnivorous nocturnal predator. In captivity, feed small pieces of marine fish, frozen shrimp, and high-quality meaty prepared foods once or twice daily, preferably in the evening when the fish becomes active.
Difficulty and care for the Red Squirrelfish
Moderate - Red Squirrelfish requires standard marine aquarium maintenance and intermediate fish keeping skills.
Common health issues
Ich (marine white spot disease), parasitic infections, fin damage from aggression, poor health from inadequate live food variety
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and Indo-Pacific coral reef environments extending to Hawaii and French Polynesia.
Log Red 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 Red Squirrelfish alongside everything else in your reef.
Related Fish
