What Divers Should Know About Squirrelfish

Members of the Holocentrinae subfamily are widely recognized as squirrelfish, a group encompassing 40 distinct species. These fascinating fish are universally nocturnal, meaning divers are most likely to observe them seeking shelter in crevices or under ledges during daylight hours, or actively foraging once the sun sets.

Their geographical spread is quite extensive, with many species within the genera Neoniphon and Sargocentron inhabiting the vast Indo-Pacific region. This includes certain areas of the Indian Ocean, particularly west of the southern tip of India. Conversely, divers exploring the Atlantic will encounter species exclusively from the Holocentrus genus, which is restricted to that ocean.