Tinsel Squirrelfish: Red With a Silver Shimmer

The tinsel squirrelfish is a small, striking night fish — red and streaked with shiny silver lines, with the big dark eyes that mark all the nocturnal reef fish. By day it tucks under ledges; after dark it comes out to feed. Here's how to spot one near Jacó, plus five fun facts.

Tinsel Squirrelfish · Sargocentron suborbitale

How to spot the tinsel squirrelfish near Jacó

Check the shaded cracks and overhangs on the rocky reef. The tinsel squirrelfish rests there during the day, its red body and silvery streaks catching the light when you look into the gap. Those big eyes and the sharp, spiny fins make it easy to tell from the softer-bodied fish out in the open.

5 fun facts about the tinsel squirrelfish

• A hidden spine to respect. Squirrelfish carry a sharp spine near the gill cover — one more reason to look and never touch the reef's residents.
• Oversized eyes for a reason. Like all squirrelfish, it's built for low light, feeding at night on small shrimp and other little creatures that emerge after dark.
• That tinsel shine. The thin silvery streaks running along its red body are where the name comes from — a bit of sparkle on a shadow-loving fish.
• Rests by day. You'll almost always see it holding still in a shaded spot during a daytime snorkel; its busy hours are after sunset.
• A spiny, sturdy build. Rough scales and stiff fins make squirrelfish surprisingly armored little fish for their size.

The tinsel squirrelfish is just one of many characters down there. See the whole cast in our Snorkel Jaco fish directory, or read real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.