Neoniphon argenteus

Description

Neoniphon argenteus, the clearfin squirrelfish or silver squirrelfish, is a seldom-seen member of the family Holocentridae. It is native to the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean from East Africa to New Caledonia. It is also found both north and south of Australia and throughout Micronesia. It lives mainly around islands and shallow reefs, and like N. sammara is associated with Acropora corals. Its depth range is 3–20 m (9.8–65.6 ft) and it can reach sizes of up to 24.0 cm (9.4 in) TL. It feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates. It is found in the ornamental trade and can be used as bait in tuna fisheries, but there are currently no known major threats to the species.