Overview
- Commonly known as the Redcoat Squirrelfish.
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including coral reefs and rocky outcrops.
- Recognized for its bright red body with white horizontal stripes and large eyes.
- Nocturnal species that becomes more active during the evening and night.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, primarily feeding on small crustaceans and invertebrates.
- Accepts a variety of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and frozen mysis shrimp.
- Best fed during the evening or nighttime to match its natural feeding habits.
- Can be trained to accept high-quality pellets and prepared foods over time.
Habitat
- Typically found in coral reef caves, crevices, and rocky formations.
- Prefers stable water conditions with moderate water flow.
- Requires a minimum 75-gallon (284 L) tank with ample hiding spaces.
- Best kept in an aquarium with caves and overhangs to mimic its natural environment.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH level: 8.1–8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.025–1.026 (about 33–35 ppt).
- Requires strong filtration and regular water changes to maintain water quality.
- Generally hardy but may become stressed if exposed to excessive light or overcrowding.
- Providing a dimly lit environment or shaded areas improves comfort and behavior.
Compatibility
- Peaceful but may eat smaller fish and invertebrates.
- Compatible with medium to large, non-aggressive fish such as tangs and angelfish.
- Should not be housed with tiny fish or ornamental shrimp that may become prey.
- Best kept singly or in small groups with ample space.
Aquarium Behavior
- Primarily nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming more active at night.
- Prefers to remain near caves or overhangs when resting.
- Generally peaceful but may become territorial if space is limited.
- Providing a natural reef-like environment supports normal behavior and reduces stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Redcoat Squirrelfish look like?
It has brownish-red and silvery-white stripes, with a dark red spiny dorsal fin marked by white blotches.
How big does it get?
Our page lists a maximum length of about 10 in (25 cm).
What size tank does it need?
Our page recommends at least 75 gallons (284 L), with caves for daytime cover.
Is it active at night?
Squirrelfish are generally nocturnal. Expect it to hide in the day and hunt after dark, and feed it in the evening if it is shy.
Where is it found?
Its range covers the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea to southern Japan, New Caledonia and New South Wales.
Has it spread outside its range?
Yes. It has entered the eastern Mediterranean through the Suez Canal.
How deep does it live?
It lives at depths of about 3 to 275 ft (1 to 84 m).
What should I feed it?
Our page lists it as a carnivore. Offer meaty foods such as mysis, krill, chopped shrimp and squid.
Is it reef safe?
Our page lists it as reef safe with caution. It ignores corals but will eat small shrimp and small fish.
Is it aggressive?
Our page lists it as semi-aggressive. Keep it with fish too large to swallow.