Product Description
The Crown Squirrelfish (Sargocentron diadema) is a striking nocturnal reef fish, bright red with distinct silvery-white horizontal stripes, known for its large eyes and venomous spines on its gill covers, commonly found in the Indo-Pacific, hiding in caves by day and feeding on small invertebrates at night, often in groups.
Appearance & Characteristics
Color: Bright red body with prominent white/silvery stripes, a white streak on the gill cover, and red eyes.
Size: Grows to about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches).
Features: Large eyes, spiny dorsal fin, and venomous spines on the gill covers (operculum) that can cause painful stings.
Behavior & Habitat
Nocturnal: Active at night, hiding in crevices, caves, or under coral overhangs during the day.
Social: Lives in groups or shoals, territorial towards similar species but generally peaceful with others.
Diet: Carnivorous, eating small crustaceans and invertebrates.
Habitat: Tropical coral reefs in the Western Pacific (e.g., Indonesia, Philippines, Great Barrier Reef).
In Aquariums
Can be kept in groups in large enough tanks.
Generally safe with corals but will eat small fish, shrimp, and invertebrates.
