Sargocentron caudimaculatum (Ruppell, 1838)

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English Name: Silverspot squirrelfish
Family: HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name: Asdhaanu raiverimas
Order: Beryciformes
Size: Common to 18 cm; max. 24 cm
Specimen: MRS/0192/88



Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 13-15 (usually 14) rays. Anal fin with 4 spines and 9 rays. Pectoral fin with 13-15 rays. Body depth 2.4-2.9 in standard length. 5 oblique rows of scales on cheek. Lateral line scales 40-43. Dorsal profile of head slightly convex. Preopercular spine long. Membranes between dorsal spines strongly incised.

Colour: Red. Silvery white spots or patch on upper caudal peduncle/posterior part of back.

Habitat and Biology: A common shallow water reef species. Nocturnal. Squirrelfishes usually feeds on bottom-dwelling creatures such as shrimps, small fishes and bristle worms.

Distribution: Indo-Pacific.

Remarks: Sargocentron caudimaculaturn is one of thecommonest squirrelfishes in the Maldives. The large preopercular spine of squirrelfishes is venomous.