Red Squirrelfish (Neoniphon sammara)

The Red Squirrelfish, also known as the Sammara, Bloodspot, or Spotfin Squirrelfish, is one of the most visually distinctive fish available in the marine hobby. Its silver body is layered with fine red-to-black horizontal stripes running along each scale row, a bold red blotch sits on the operculum, and a striking dark spot anchors the centre of the spiny dorsal fin. Wide, expressive eyes built for low-light hunting give this species an almost otherworldly appearance that looks particularly dramatic under blue-heavy aquarium lighting. A naturally nocturnal ambush predator from reef flats and lagoons throughout the Indo-Pacific, the Red Squirrelfish is a rewarding fish for hobbyists who appreciate something a little different: less flashy than the typical reef display fish, but full of personality once it settles in and feels secure.

Why we love it

• Striking red-striped silver body with large eyes and a bold dorsal spot that stands out in any display
• Naturally associated with Acropora corals in the wild, making it a visually compelling fish in a mixed reef or SPS-focused FOWLR system
• Peaceful with fish too large to be considered prey, and can be kept in small groups with adequate space and rockwork
• A nocturnal fish that adds life and movement to a tank after the lights dim, rewarding keepers who observe their tanks in the evening
• Wide Indo-Pacific range means well-conditioned specimens are reliably available in the trade

Suggested parameters

• Temperature: 23–26°C (72–78°F)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: Under 20 ppm; stable water quality is important for long-term health

Care and temperament

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful with appropriately sized tankmates; will predate anything small enough to fit in its mouth, including small fish, ornamental shrimp, worms, crustaceans, and serpent stars
• Reef safe: With caution. Corals are safe, but motile invertebrates and small fish are at significant risk
• Minimum tank size: 70 gallons, with an abundance of live rock, caves, and overhangs for shelter

Diet

The Red Squirrelfish is a dedicated carnivore with feeding habits shaped by its nocturnal lifestyle.

• Frozen mysis shrimp, krill, chopped clams, and other meaty marine preparations form the core diet
• Live saltwater feeder shrimp are often essential to trigger feeding in newly introduced or reluctant specimens; transitioning off live food should happen gradually
• High-quality carnivore pellets can be introduced over time once the fish is eating reliably
• Feed at dusk or with the display lights dimmed; this species is far more likely to come out and feed actively in low-light conditions
• Feed once to twice daily, with evening feeding sessions strongly preferred

Compatibility and tankmates

• Works well alongside larger, peaceful fish including tangs, angelfish, hawkfish, larger wrasses, and other non-predatory FOWLR species
• Will eat small fish, ornamental shrimp, small crabs, bristle worms, and serpent stars without hesitation; stock accordingly
• Can be kept in small groups of three or more if the tank is large enough and rockwork provides plenty of individual shelter zones; pairs may bicker, making odd numbers preferable
• Avoid housing with highly aggressive or boisterous species that will outcompete it at feeding time or prevent it from emerging at dusk
• Not suitable for tanks housing small gobies, dartfish, small wrasses, or other diminutive species that may be targeted

Health and acclimation notes

The Red Squirrelfish carries a venomous preopercular spine, and this is worth knowing before handling or netting. Use a container rather than a net when moving or transporting this fish, as its spines catch easily in netting and can cause painful wounds. The spine can also damage the fish's fins and eyes during handling. This species has a large swim bladder that is sensitive to loud sounds, so avoid tapping on the glass near this fish. Once settled and feeding, the Red Squirrelfish is a durable, long-lived aquarium animal. The initial transition to frozen foods is the main challenge; patience and low-light feeding sessions are the most reliable path to success. Quarantine is always recommended before introduction to an established display.

What you are buying

• You will receive: 1 Red Squirrelfish (Neoniphon sammara)
• Colouring and stripe intensity can vary between individuals and by region of origin
• Size and exact patterning may vary; please see size options at checkout