Squirrelfishes feed mainly on large zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and small fishes. They are entirely nocturnal. They are usually cryptic during the day in crevices or beneath ledges of reefs, along with cardinal fishes, bigeyes and sweepers. Their spines are venomous and can inflict painful wound.
There are 8 genera and about 83 species of Holocentridae worldwide. Malaysia has 5 genera and about 16 species.