Holocentrus adscensionis (Osbeck, 1765)
Squirrelfish
Holocentrus adscensionis
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes), subfamily: Holocentrinae
Max. size:  61 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 180 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and Bermuda to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the West Indies and Caribbean shores (Ref. 3724). Eastern Atlantic: Sao Tome Island and Gabon to Angola (Ref. 51178) and St. Paul's Rocks, St. Helena and Ascension Island (Ref. 6537).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 11-11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 4-4; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Tip of membranes of spinous dorsal fin reddish or translucent, not whitish; posterior margin of upper jaw reaching posterior margin of pupil (Ref. 13608). Spiny and soft parts of dorsal fin nearly separate, but connected by low membrane (Ref. 26938). Dull red or pinkish, sometimes blotched (Ref. 7251).
Biology:  Occurs in shallow coral reefs, as well as deeper offshore waters (Ref. 3724). A nocturnal species, hiding in deep crevices or under coral ledges during the day; at night it usually moves over sand and grass beds, taking mainly crabs and other small crustaceans (Ref. 3634). Capable of producing sounds (Ref. 6537). Spawning documented as far north as North Carolina in May (Ref. 27549). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3724).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  reports of ciguatera poisoning


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