Template:POTD/2023-11-17

Picture of the day

Sargocentron xantherythrum, commonly known as the Hawaiian squirrelfish or striped squirrelfish, is a member of the squirrelfish family that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Growing to a length of 17 centimeters (6.7 in), the fish has a red coloration with white stripes running along the body, as well as sharp gill spines and rough scales that can cause the fish to be snagged in netting materials. It is a nocturnal species that is much more active at night. It inhabits seaward reefs below the surge zone, and is common near caves and ledges, feeding mainly on worms, crustaceans and starfish. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. This school of S. xantherythrum was photographed in the French Frigate Shoals, part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii.Photograph credit: James Watt