Squirrelfishes

Redcoat (Sargocentron rubrum)

The Redcoat (Sargocentron rubrum) belongs to the family Holocentridae (squirrelfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in groups or alone. It reaches about 27 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Redcoat (Sargocentron rubrum), a Red Sea fish of the squirrelfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameSargocentron rubrum
FamilySquirrelfishes (Holocentridae)
Common name (IT)Soldato rosso
Common name (EN)Redcoat
Maximum size27 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Redcoat belong to?
The Redcoat (Sargocentron rubrum) belongs to the family Holocentridae (squirrelfishes).
Is the Redcoat dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Redcoat endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Redcoat get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 27 cm.

Explore the Redcoat in 3D in the interactive atlas →