Author: (Lacepède, 1802)
FBname: Crown squirrelfish
Comments: A common species that inhabits shallow coral reefs (Ref. 58534) and lagoon and seaward reefs to depths of 30 m or more.  Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302).  Occurs under ledges or in crevices during the day and feeds on isopods; at night it roams over open sand and low-profile reef areas to feed on polychaetes and small crabs.  Stomach contents listed gastropods (e.g. <i>Atys</i> sp.), polychaetes, small clams, solenogastrid, isopods, brachyuran crabs, and other crustaceans (Ref. 27370).  Tends to occur in aggregations (Ref. 30573).  Venomous spine on its preopercle.  Size rarely exceeds 13 cm.  Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874.