Pink squirrelfish – Sargocentron tiereoides

Pink squirrelfish, , Sargocentron tiereoides
Size: 19.5 cm
Depth: 0 - 100 m

American Samoa, Australia, China, Comoros, Cuba, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mozambique, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Vanuatu

Coral Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, South China Sea

Sargocentron tiereoides, commonly known as the tier-eyed squirrelfish, is a species of fish belonging to the family Holocentridae, commonly known as squirrelfishes. These fish are characterized by their striking coloration and unique features, making them a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and aquarists alike.

Description & Characteristics

Sargocentron tiereoides is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 19.5 cm. It is distinguished by its slender body and large, prominent eyes, which give it its common name. The body is typically reddish-brown in color, often with a yellow or orange hue. The scales are relatively small and smooth, giving the fish a somewhat slick appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

Sargocentron tiereoides is a common inhabitant of coral reefs and rocky areas. It can be found at depths ranging from the surface to 100 meters, indicating its adaptability to varying water conditions. Its distribution is primarily in the Indo-Pacific region, extending from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Pacific Ocean. This extensive range encompasses various marine zones, including the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomy

Sargocentron tiereoides is classified within the Order Holocentriformes, which includes a diverse group of fishes commonly known as squirrelfishes and soldierfishes. This order is further categorized under the Class Teleostei, representing a vast group of bony fishes that constitute the majority of living fish species. The family Holocentridae, to which Sargocentron tiereoides belongs, is characterized by its members’ often bright coloration, nocturnal habits, and the presence of sharp spines on their dorsal fins.

Feeding

Sargocentron tiereoides is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans and polychaetes. Its diet consists mostly of zooplankton and benthic organisms, contributing to the balance of its ecosystem. This feeding behavior allows Sargocentron tiereoides to thrive in its reef and rocky environments, playing a crucial role in the food chain.

Associated Species

Image References

Leave a Comment