Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Photo. (c) 2022 BSS/MCSS.
Scientific Name: Sargocentron spiniferum
English Name: Sabre squirrelfish
Creole Name: Lyon parasol
French Name: Marignan sabre
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 11; Dorsal rays: 14-16; Anal spines: 4; Anal rays: 9-10 (Usually 10).
Deep-bodied and largest of the Squirrelfish. Dorsal profile of head straight. Lower jaw protrudes when mouth closed. Maxilla extends posteriorly to a vertical at front edge
of the orbit. Five oblique scale rows on cheek. Preopercular spine particularly long. 2 subequal opercular spines.
Colour. Head and body red becoming paler ventrally. Scale edges silvery white. Large vertically elongate deep red spot behind eye. Pectoral-fin axil and region above
pectoral-fin base deep red. Spinous dorsal crimson in colour. Other fins orange-yellowish.
Size:
Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 51cm FL. Commonly to 35cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits a variety of reef zones from reef flats to lagoon and seaward reefs (depth 1-122m). Found under ledges during the day. Typically solitary. Benthopelagic. Nocturnal.
Juveniles inhabit shallow protected reefs. Feeds on crabs, shrimps and small fishes.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the fish trap fishery and also by handline, it is a fairly regular but not numerous
component of the catch.
Notes:
Spine of preopercle venomous.
In water photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
References:
Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984). FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the
support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/6507 (07/06/19).
Williams, I. & Greenfield, D. (2016). Sargocentron spiniferum (errata version 2017). The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T67903042A67906355.en. (06/05/20).
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Sargocentron spiniferum, Sabre squirrelfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/sargocentron-spiniferum-forsskal-1775/ (edited 07/07/22).