Striped Squirrelfish (Hawaiian Squirrelfish)
The Striped Squirrelfish, also known as the Hawaiian Squirrelfish, is one of the most common squirrelfish seen by scuba divers. It is bright red with thin, white horizontal stripes.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with large amounts of live rock, hiding places, and swimming room is recommended. It will do well with others of its own species as long as there is adequate hiding space and sufficient room to swim. It feeds on invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans, and serpent stars. This fish is nocturnal and hides during daylight hours.
When first introduced to the aquarium, live saltwater feeder shrimp should be used to encourage feeding. A varied diet including live feeder shrimp, freeze-dried shrimp, and chopped marine meats is recommended.
| Key Features |
|---|
| Bright red body with thin white horizontal stripes |
| Nocturnal behavior |
| Feeds on worms, crustaceans, serpent stars |
| Requires large tank with live rock and hiding spots |
FAQ
What kind of tank size is recommended for a Striped Squirrelfish?
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended to provide enough space and hiding places.
What does the Striped Squirrelfish eat?
It eats invertebrates such as worms, crustaceans, and serpent stars. A varied diet including live feeder shrimp, freeze-dried shrimp, and chopped marine meats is recommended.
Is the Striped Squirrelfish active during the day or night?
The Striped Squirrelfish is nocturnal and hides during the day, becoming active at night.
Elizabeth Mills –
The Striped Squirrelfish is a striking addition to my reef tank. It’s active at night and hides well during the day. I started feeding it live shrimp, and it quickly adapted to the diet. The tank needs to be large with plenty of live rock, but once set up, it’s a peaceful and colorful presence.
Kimberly Sharp –
I’ve had this fish for three months now. It’s very curious and enjoys the night feeding time. I provide a mix of freeze-dried and live shrimp, and it eats regularly. The tank setup was a bit challenging at first, but it’s now a stable part of the community.
Julian Berry –
The red and white stripes make it stand out in the tank. It’s not aggressive and prefers to stay hidden during the day. I’ve noticed it becomes more active when the lights go off. Feeding it live shrimp helped it adjust quickly.