White-tailed Squirrelfish Sargocentron caudimaculatum

The White-tailed Squirrelfish, also called the Silverspot Squirrelfish, is native to reefs of the Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the international date line. Squirrelfish are related to Soldierfish; both are mainly nocturnal with big eyes and red colouring. Squirrelfish tend to be more elongated and have horizontal stripes but the White-tailed has lattice scales like the Soldierfish.

White-tailed Squirrelfish grow to some 25cm long. They have painful, venomous spines on their dorsal fin and near their gill covers. Diet is mainly small crustaceans. Although mainly nocturnal, they are often active in the day.