This species of squirrelfish (Sargocentron spiniferum: 35 cms.) is found commonly on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. The head is pointed, with large eyes as it is a nocturnal feeder. During the day, it rests under outcrops, in this case close to a coral window. The body has red or pink scales on a yellow background, with a dark patch behind each eye. The lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw and there is a venomous spine beside each gill opening. Eating this fish can result in death, as it accumulates a toxin in its body which is derived from algae in the food chain. Egyptian Red Sea.

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Size: 2600px × 2349px
Location: Near Hurghada, Egyptian Red Sea
Photo credit: © Terence Dormer / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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