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• head very spiny
• large eye
• 1 d
• mouth large, terminal, lower jaw prominent
• rough scales
• generally red

SOLDIERFISHES, SQUIRRELFISHES

Distinguishing characteristics include rough scales, prominent fin spines, a large eye, and usually a red coloration. They possess a moderately large mouth, but the teeth are small. The tail fin is forked. Species of Sargocentron possess a sharp venomous spine at the lower corner of each cheek, and can inflict a painful wound if handled carelessly. During the day holocentrids shelter in caves and under ledges, but emerge from their retreats at dusk and spend the night feeding in the open. Myripristis consume larger planktonic items such as crab larvae, whereas the species of Sargocentron feed mainly on benthic crabs and shrimps. Although most of the species are small, the flesh is considered good eating. Members of Sargocentron were formerly classified in the genus Holocentrus (now restricted to the Atlantic) and later in Adioryx ( a synonym).

Squirrelfishes and Soldierfishes occur in all tropical seas, but most inhabit the Indo-Pacific region. The family contains eight genera with about 65 species; only six species in two genera are present in our area.

References

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