Crown Squirrelfish

With its large eyes and red-and-silver striped body, the crown squirrelfish is a typical nocturnal fish: during the day it waits beneath rock overhangs and in crevices, and in the dark it comes out over open sand and low reef areas to hunt worms, small crabs and isopods. Its spiny dorsal fin is blackish red with a white line on it. Caution: The long spine at the lower corner of the gill cover is venomous and can cause painful wounds; do not handle the fish with your hands. Specimens are wild-collected; it is a hardy species that switches easily to prepared food.

• At least 300 liters; shaded caves and overhangs to hide in during the day.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• A blue or dim night light after the main lights go out makes it easier to watch its behavior.
• Reef-safe with caution: It leaves corals alone, but eats small shrimp, crabs and fish that fit in its mouth.

Carnivorous. Frozen mysis, krill, chopped shrimp and squid; feeding in the late afternoon or when the lights are dimmed is best. 1–2 times a day.

It generally gets along with its own kind and fish of similar size; it forms groups in the wild, and in a large aquarium it can be kept as a small group. It is a skittish fish and hides most of the day.

Good companions: Tangs, large angelfish, foxface, large damselfish, triggerfish, groupers, other squirrelfish and soldierfish.

Avoid: Ornamental shrimp, small gobies and cardinalfish, very aggressive species.