Crown Squirrelfish

The crown squirrelfish is a compact, deep-bodied fish with bright red colouring and distinctive white stripes running vertically across its flanks. Large eyes and a slightly protruding snout are characteristic of squirrelfishes, which are primarily nocturnal hunters. Found on coral and rocky reefs, typically at depths between 5 and 60 metres, this species forages after dark for small crustaceans and fish. During the day, crown squirrelfish shelter in caves and crevices, often in loose aggregations.