Sargocentron diadema (Lacepède, 1801)

English Name: Crown squirrelfish
Family: HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name: Seetu raiverimas
Order: Beryciformes
Size: Max. 17 cm
Specimen: MRS/0190/88

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Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 13-15 (usually 14) rays. Anal fin with 4 spines and 8-9 rays. Pectoral fin rays 13-15 (usually 14). Body depth 2.4-2.9 in standard length. Dorsal profile of head slightly convex. Preopercular spine long. Membranes between dorsal spines strongly incised.

Colour: Red with narrow silvery white stripes. Spinous portion of dorsal fin deep red to nearly black with a whitish stripe (often disjunct). Silvery white spots or patch on upper caudal peduncle/posterior part of back.

Habitat and Biology: A coral reef species usually found in depths of 2-30 m. Occurs in aggregations.

Distribution: Indo-Pacific.

Remarks: Sargocentron diaderna appears to be a relatively common squirrelfish. It is probably the most abundant red and white stripped species of Sargocentron in the Maldives.