---
title: Tailspot Squirrelfish (Sargocentron caudimaculatum)
scientific_name: Sargocentron caudimaculatum
common_name: Tailspot Squirrelfish
taxon: Squirrelfishes
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-27T12:45:29.702Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:23:21.787Z
tags: Tailspot Squirrelfish, Sargocentron caudimaculatum, Squirrelfishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/squirrelfishes/tailspot-squirrelfish
---

# Tailspot Squirrelfish (*Sargocentron caudimaculatum*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Squirrelfishes (*Holocentrinae*)
- **Size:** 25 cm
- **Depth:** 2-40 m
- **Activity:** Nocturnal
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

Sargocentron caudimaculatum, commonly known as the silverspot squirrelfish or whitetail squirrelfish, is a reef-associated species within the Holocentridae family. This species is indigenous to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with a geographical range extending from East Africa to Japan and northern Australia, reaching as far east as the Marshall Islands. Typically inhabiting reef environments, Sargocentron caudimaculatum is also found in lagoons and drop-off zones, occupying depths from 2 to 40 meters (6.6 to 131.2 feet). As a nocturnal predator, its diet primarily consists of crabs and shrimps. The species can attain a total length of up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches). Despite being subject to commercial fishing and appearing in the aquarium trade, Sargocentron caudimaculatum currently faces no significant threats to its population.

## Also known as

- **English:** silverspot squirrelfish, Fanfin Soldier, Tail-spot Squirrelfish
- **French:** Poisson écureuil à queue blanche, Marignan Rouge et Argent, Soldat à Queue Blanche
- **Spanish:** Candil Platero
- **Japanese:** クラカケエビス, Kurakakeebisu
- **Chinese:** 尾斑棘鱗魚, 尾斑棘鳞鱼, 瀾公妾
- **TAH:** tiere

## Scientific synonyms

- *Adioryx andamanensis* (Day, 1871)
- *Adioryx caudimaculatus* (Rüppell, 1838)
- *Holocentrum andamanense* Day, 1871
- *Holocentrum leonoides* Bleeker, 1849
- *Holocentrus andamanensis* (Day, 1871)
- *Holocentrus caudimaculatus* Rüppell, 1838
- *Holocentrus rubellio* Seale, 1906
- *Sargocentron caudimaculatus* (Rüppell, 1838)
- *Sargocentron caudomaculatum* (Rüppell, 1838)
- *Sargocentron caudomaculatus* (Rüppell, 1838)

## Range

Comoros, Federal Republic of Somalia, Indian Ocean, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Red Sea, Republic of Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/squirrelfishes/tailspot-squirrelfish)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*