Sargocentron rubrum

(Forsskal, 1775)

Vernacular names
English : Red squirrelfish, Redcoat
French : Marignan rouget

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Holocentriformes
Family : Holocentridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach 32 cm in length exceptionnally but is usually around 20 cm long. Coloration bright scarlet to pinkish-red with equally wide red and white horizontal bands on flanks. Presence of one very wide and nearly straight white band going from gill coverts to tail peduncle in the middle of flanks. Broad white edges on pelvic and anal fins. Upper lobe of tail fin with darker red edge and broad whitish area. Dark red to black blotch near dorsal fin base, dark red turning black band in the middle of tail peduncle. Spiny portion of dorsal fin bright red with longitudinal white band in the middle.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Vanuatu, Tonga and New Caledonia. It has entered the Mediterranean Sea by the Suez canal. It lives around reefs, harbours and lagoons with rocky bottom, usually in strong current areas, down to 84 meters deep. It can occur in aggregations and will rest during the day in caves.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a huge range and seems to be facing no threats at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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