Sargocentron ensifer

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Sargocentron ensifer
Sargocentron ensifer.jpg
Sargocentron ensifer caught at the Pitcairn Islands
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Beryciformes
Family: Holocentridae
Genus: Sargocentron
Species:
S. ensifer
Binomial name
Sargocentron ensifer
Synonyms

Holocentrus ensiferJordan & Evermann, 1903
Adioryx ensifer(Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Sargocentron ensiferum(Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Adioryx furcatus(non Günther, 1859)
Holocentrus furcatus(non Günther, 1859)

Contents

Sargocentron ensifer, also known as the yellow-striped squirrelfish is native to Hawaii, Japan, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, and Paracel Islands in South China Sea. [2] It was originally described as Holocentrus ensifer. [3] Sargocentron ensifer, or the yellow-striped squirrelfish, is a member of the family Holocentridae.

Description

Sargocentron ensifer has a dark reddish colored body with white horizonal stripes. The upper sides and back bear bright yellow stripes which contrast with the red on its body. [4] It can reach up to 23.0 centimeters (9.1 in) SL, though a length of 15.0 centimeters (5.9 in) TL is more common. It feeds at night mainly on crabs, worms, shrimp and small fishes. [4] [5] The species name means “sword bearer,” referring to a long, backward-pointing spine on the gill cover just behind the eye. [4]

Distribution and habitat

Sargocentron ensifer is native to Hawaii, Japan, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, and Paracel Islands in South China Sea. [2] It lives in deep reefs at depths between 0 and 64 metres (0 and 210 ft). It inhabits crevices and caves on seaward reefs habits crevices and caves on seaward reefs and can be found at depths between 3 - 200 feet (1 - 60 m) during daylight hours. It prefers depths greater than 60 feet. It is typically solitary and occurs most commonly off Maui and the Big Island, and its range extends from Okinawa to Hawaii and French Polynesia. [4] [6]

References

  1. ↑ Williams, I. & Greenfield, D. (2016). "Sargocentron ensifer". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016. IUCN: e.T67902046A115442840. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T67902046A67906297.en . Retrieved 23 December 2017.
  2. 1 2 Randall, & Greenfield, J.E, & D.W (1999). "Holocentridae: Squirrelfishes (soldierfishes)" (PDF). Retrieved November 18, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Sargocentron ensifer (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)". marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Hoover, John P.; Hoover, John P. (2008). The ultimate guide to Hawaiian reef fishes sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seals. Honolulu: Mutual Pub. ISBN   978-1-56647-887-8.
  5. ↑ "Section: Fish Library: Group: Squirrelfishes : Species: Sargocentron ensifer (Yellow-striped Squirrelfish)". www.saltcorner.com. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
  6. ↑ "Yellow-striped Squirrelfish, Sargocentron ensiferum". www.marinelifephotography.com. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
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