Animalia Life

Holocentrus ascensionis
FAMILY
Holocentridae
TAXONOMY
Holocentrus ascensionis Osbeck, 1765, Acension Island.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Common squirrelfish, longjaw squirrelfish, French: Marignan coq; Spanish: Candil gallito.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
A reddish, sometimes blotched, fish with a large dark eye. Typically grows to about 12 in (30.5 cm), although reports exist of specimens twice that size. Has a double dorsal fin, with the front fin comprising sharp spines and taking a yellowish hue. The back fin is much taller, with flexible rays.
DISTRIBUTION
Gulf of Mexico and the western Atlantic Ocean from New York to Brazil, and east to Bermuda. Eastern Atlantic in Gabon, Angola, St. Paul’s Rocks, St. Helena, and Ascensiуn Island.
HABITAT
Subtropical reefs with suitable structures for hiding during the day. Commonly seen by divers in very shallow waters, but also found at depths down to 590 ft (180 m).
BEHAVIOR
Remains hidden from view during the day, either in deeper waters or in shallow-water crevices. May occur alone or in aggregations of up to a few dozen fish. This species makes grunting and clicking noises.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Mainly nocturnal feeders, consuming crustaceans and other invertebrates. Predators include sea birds and other fishes, such as the common dolphinfish (Corphaena hippurus), mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares).
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Mating
BEHAVIOR
includes a pairing of male and female, during which they bring their tails together while their heads face away from one another. The eggs are pelagic. The larvae often venture far out to sea, and return to the reefs as adults.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not listed by the IUCN.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
Enjoyed by divers in their natural
HABITAT
, squirrelfishes are also part of the aquarium trade.

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