Fine-lined squirrelfish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fine-lined squirrelfish
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Sargocentron
Species:	microstoma
Synonyms
Holocentrum microstoma Günther, 1859 Adioryx microstomus (Günther, 1859) Holocentrus microstoma Günther, 1859 Holocentrus microstomus Günther, 1859 Sargocentron microstomum (Günther, 1859) Sargocentron microstomus (Günther, 1859) Sargocentron mitrostomus (Günther, 1859) Holocentrum argenteum (non Valenciennes, 1831)

The Sargocentron microstoma, also known as the fine-lined squirrelfish or smallmouth squirrelfish, is a type of fish. It belongs to a group of fish called Holocentridae, which are often found near coral reefs. This fish was first described by Albert Günther in 1859.

About the Fine-Lined Squirrelfish

The fine-lined squirrelfish is a medium-sized fish. It can grow up to about 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. This fish has a special defense. It has a small, sharp spine near its gill cover, called a preopercle. This spine can deliver a mild venom. It is used to protect the fish from predators. It is not dangerous to humans unless the fish is handled.

Where Does It Live?

This squirrelfish lives in a very wide area. You can find it across the Indo-Pacific region. This includes places like the Chagos Archipelago and Seychelles. It also lives near the Hawaiian Islands and the Tuamotus Archipelago. Its range extends north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Austral Islands. It is also common throughout Micronesia.

The fine-lined squirrelfish prefers to live near coral reefs. It usually stays in shallow waters, from about 1 to 35 meters (3 to 115 feet) deep. However, it has been seen much deeper, sometimes as far down as 183 meters (600 feet).

What Does It Eat?

This fish is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. During the day, it likes to hide. It often finds shelter in small cracks and holes in the reef. It especially likes to hide near Acropora and Pocillopora corals.

When night comes, the fine-lined squirrelfish becomes a predator. It hunts for its food in the dark. Its diet mainly includes small crustaceans, like crabs and shrimp. It also eats different kinds of worms and even other small fishes.