General description

Squirrelfish are a family of ray-finned saltwater fish. They are characterized by their large eyes and long, sharp dorsal spines. They also produce a distinct ‘clicking’ noise by vibrating their swim bladders and use these vibrations as a defense mechanism against potential predators. Squirrelfish are an extremely hardy species of fish and make excellent choices for most beginner aquarists.

Squirrelfish are a family of ray-finned saltwater fish.

Origins

Squirrelfish inhabit the tropical parts of the India, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Color

Squirrelfish come primarily in shades of red and yellow with silver, grey and white markings.

Maintenance and care

Squirrelfish are active swimmers and should be housed in large aquariums with sufficient swimming space. It is also advisable to decorate the aquarium with various caves, overhands and other hiding places into which the fish can retreat to. In the wild these fish inhibit shallow, well-oxygenated areas and prefer aquariums with strong water circulation.

Squirrelfish are generally a peaceful species of fish and make excellent additions to most marine community aquariums. They also fare well with more robust tank mates as most mildly predatory fish tend to leave them alone because of their intimidating dorsal spikes. They also do best when kept in large groups of 6 or more. It is important to remember that these fish will prey on smaller species of fish and crustaceans.

They are extremely hardy and are able to adapt fairly easy to life in the aquarium.

Squirrelfish are active swimmers and should be housed in large aquariums with sufficient swimming space.

Feeding

Squirrelfish are carnivores and should be fed on a meaty diet of live and frozen foods. They can be fed various species of shrimp, small crustaceans and bloodworms.

Breeding

There is little information about successfully breeding squirrelfish in the home aquarium. In the wild these fish spawn in open waters and do not guard their offspring.

Aquarium varieties

Glass Eye Squirrelfish, Glass Eye Squirrelfish, Scarlet Fin Soldier, Striped Squirrelfish, Popeye Catalufa Soldierfish, etc.

Photo credit: USFWS – Pacific Region/Flickr; Nick Hobgood/Wikimedia