Sargocentron violaceum (Bleeker, 1853)

English Name: Violet squirrelfish
Family: HOLOCENTRIDAE
Local Name: Raiykirulhi raiverimas
Order: Beryciformes
Size: Max. 25 cm
Specimen: MRS/0193/88

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Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 11 spines and 13-14 (usually 14) rays. Anal fin with 4 spines and 9 rays. Pectoral fin with 13-14 (usually 14) rays. Body depth 2.6-3.0 in standard length. Anteriorand posterior margins of nasal fossa with 1-3 spinules. Preopercular spine about equal to the eye diameter. Membranes of spinous dorsal fin not incised.

Colour: Violet, each scale with white border. Triangular red patch above pectoral axil. Spiny dorsal pale red with white tips and thin bright red submarginal band. Other fins pale but leading edge of caudal and anal fins red.

Habitat and Biology: Associated with coral reefs. Nocturnal. It hides deep within caves and crevices in the reef slope during daytime.

Distribution: lndo-Pacific.

Remarks: Sargocentron vio/aceum does not appear to be especiallycommon in Maldives, but can be readily distinguished by its violet colouration.