The longspine squirrelfish (scientific name: Holocentrus rufus) is a member of the squirrelfish family (Family Holocentridae) that lives on coral reefs in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Longspine_squirrelfish. Source: Florent Charpin/www.reefguid.org

Scientific Classification Kingdom: Animalia (Animals) Phylum:--- Chordata Class:------ Osteichthyes (Bony Fishes) Order:-------- Perciformes Family:-------- Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes) Genus:---------- Holocentrus  Species:----------Holocentrus rufus (Walbaum, 1792)

Physical Description

Also known as Miss Darlington, the longspine squirrelfish range from 12 to 35 centimeters in length. Their bodies are mostly redish with white blotches. They have white triangular markings on the tips of their dorsal spines.  They have large eyes.

Distribution

In the Western Atlantic they are found from Bermuda and southern Florida, USA to northern South America and Brazil, throughout the Caribbean Sea, and in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.

Habitat

Longspine squirrelfish live on coral reefs at depths ranging from zero to 32 meters.

Feeding Behavior

They are nocturnal carnivores that feed on crabs, shrimps, gastropods, and brittle-stars. Their large eyes provide sensory perception that allows them to forage at night.

Behavior

Longspine squirrelfish are nocturnal foragers so they spend their days hiding in coral crevices or under ledges.  At night, they leave the reef to feed in sand and sea grass beds. During the day they defend their hiding places from intruders using calls, produced by their swim bladders, displays and lunges. 

Reproduction

Spawning occurs from January through March and again in the fall. Spawning occurs in the water column. After the eggs hatch, larvae enter the pelagic stage where they remain until they settle on the reef. 

Conservation Status

The longspine squirrelfish is not considered to be a species at risk.

References and Further Reading

• Encyclopedia of Life. Curator: C.Michael Hogan. 2011. Holocentrus rufus (Walbaum, 1792)
• Fishbase. 2011.  Holocentrus rufus, Longspine Squirrelfish
• P.Humann and N.Deloach (Editors) 1994. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348078
• N.Deloach. 1999. Reef Fish Behavior, Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348280