Everyone's Marine Aquarium

DAMSELS

2009-06-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

Damsels are pretty fish that are easy to raise, and some live
in association with anemones. They adapt well to captivity
and often accept artificial food (though live prey, mussels,
and ground shrimps are clear favorites); they lay eggs quite
easily. With these characteristics in mind, and not forgetting
their modest price, damsels are recommended for aquarists
making their first venture into sea water.

• Glyphidodontops cyaneus
Like the other species known as damsels, this is one
of the least expensive of aquarium marine fishes. The
blue damsel (syn. Chrysiptera cyanea) is territorial
and can sometimes be aggressive. It accepts
commercial foods. Size: 8 cm.
• Pomacentrus coelestis
The electric blue damsel can live in groups in a large
tank. In a smaller aquarium it is wise to keep only a
single specimen. Size: 8 cm.

Abudefduf saxatilis
This is more aggressive than the other damsels. The
sergeant-major can live to an age of 5 years or more
in captivity. It eats mainly brine shrimps, mussels,
and chopped shrimps. Size: 15-17 cm.

DAMSELS FOR BEGINNERS
Novices are advised to start with the "blue damsels" group. Chromis caerulea
(the blue-green damsel) is active and lives in groups, sometimes dominated
by the males. It accepts artificial food.

Chrysiptera parasema (azure damsel, syn.
Glyphidodontops hemicyaneus)

is a robust species which lays eggs
in captivity. The female can sometimes lay more than 200 eggs,
and is then ejected
from the nest by the
male, which takes on
the task of guarding
it. Hatching occurs
after 1 week. This fish
will accept commercial
food.

Dascyllus trimaculatus
The young domino damsels live
in groups, while the adults
gradually isolate themselves.
The white spots disappear in
older fishes. Their
reproduction is easy; the
male watches over the eggs.
Size: 14 cm. •

Dascyllus aruanus
The three-stripe damsel does not exceed 8 cm in length as an
adult and prefers to live in isolation; the young live in groups. A
closely related species, D. melanurus (black-tailed damsel), is
distinguished by a vertical black band on the tip of the caudal fin.

CLARIFICATION

Occasional variations in color and name changes can lead to
confusions in this group, especially in the species that are predominantly
blue.
The latter includes a blue-green damsel, while the blue damsels
can present yellow coloring on the tail and belly, although this
varies from one specimen to another. They are all easy to acclimatize
and feed, and they reproduce in captivity - all these factors
endear them to beginners.
The second group of damsels is distinguished by its vertical
black bands (genus Dascyllus', 6 or 7 species are currently
imported).
The third group covers the Abudefduf genus - including the
species sometimes known as "devils" - which are less common
in aquariums.

In-depth Look At Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Life, Ecosystems

2009-06-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (May 27, 2009) — A new NOAA report on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), protected by the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, provides the sharpest picture yet of the region's marine life and ecosystems.

Prepared by NOAA's National Center for Coastal Ocean Science, the report, A Marine Biogeographic Assessment of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, examines the geographic distribution of the island chain's marine life and habitats, and the conditions that determine where they are found.

"This report provides an important summary of the monument's marine ecosystems," said Randy Kosaki, NOAA's monument deputy superintendent and research coordinator. "The report reveals patterns and details about species in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, helping us better understand this special place."

Significant findings highlighted in the report:

* There are approximately 80 types of coral in the NWHI, nearly half of which are found only in Hawaii
* More whale species use the NWHI than researchers previously thought. Fifteen whale species have been observed within the monument's boundaries, indicating the NWHI may be an important area for these animals
* The Laysan albatross, which nests and breeds in the NWHI, ventures more than 600 miles from the islands to obtain food, while other seabirds forage within only a few miles of the islands
* Half of the fish biomass in the NWHI is made up of large predators, such as sharks, jacks and grouper, which helps create a healthy, stable reef

"The ecosystems of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are relatively pristine," said Alan Friedlander, a University of Hawaii/U.S. Geological Survey fisheries ecologist and contributor to the NOAA report. "The dominance of top predators that we see in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is rare and gives us new insight into how natural coral reef ecosystems should function."

Monument managers will use the report as a baseline to monitor changes in the NWHI, identify resource management and research priorities, and develop a Natural Resources Science Plan for conducting future studies in the NWHI. A draft of the monument's science plan will be available for public comment this summer.

NOAA prepared the report with input from the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument co-trustee agencies, the University of Hawaii, the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, and the University of California, among others. The report is available online at http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/sanctuaries/nwhi.html.

Nominated for consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is administered jointly by three co-trustees – the Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior and the state of Hawaii – and represents a cooperative conservation approach to protecting the entire ecosystem.

NOAA (2009, May 27). In-depth Look At Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Life, Ecosystems. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 8, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/05/090521131309.htm

DNA Evidence Is In, Psychedelic Looking Bouncing Fish Is A New Species, Dubbed 'Psychedilica'

2009-06-08T19:57:00.001-07:00

ScienceDaily (Feb. 25, 2009) — "Psychedelica" seems the perfect name for a species of fish that is a wild swirl of tan and peach zebra stripes and behaves in ways contrary to its brethren. So says University of Washington's Ted Pietsch, who is the first to describe the new species in the scientific literature and thus the one to select the name.

Psychedelica is perhaps even more apt given the cockamamie way the fish swim, some with so little control they look intoxicated and should be cited for DUI.

Members of Histiophryne psychedelica, or H. psychedelica, don't so much swim as hop. Each time they strike the seafloor they use their fins to push off and they expel water from tiny gill openings on their sides to jettison themselves forward. With tails curled tightly to one side –which surely limits their ability to steer – they look like inflated rubber balls bouncing hither and thither.

While other frogfish and similar species are known to jettison themselves up off the bottom before they begin swimming, none have been observed hopping. It's just one of the behaviors of H. psychedelica never observed in any other fish, says Pietsch, UW professor of aquatic and fishery sciences and curator of fishes at the UW Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. He's the lead author of a paper about the new species that's now online at Copeia, the journal of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. His work is funded by the National Science Foundation.

It was little more than a year ago that the fish with rare, forward-facing eyes like humans and a secretive nature was the subject of worldwide news coverage after having been observed in the busy harbor of Ambon Island, Indonesia. An adult fish was observed in January 2008 by Toby Fadirsyair, a guide, and Buck and Fitrie Randolph, two of the co-owners of Maluku Divers, which is based in Ambon. They and co-owners Andy and Kerry Shorten eventually found Pietsch to help them identify the fish. Since the first sighting divers have observed a number of adults and juveniles, now that they know what to look for.

Adults of H. psychedelica are fist-sized with gelatinous bodies covered with thick folds of skin that protect them from sharp-edged corals as they haunt tiny nooks and crannies of the harbor reef. Fins on either side of their bodies have, as with other frogfish, evolved to be leg-like, and members of H. psychedelica actually prefer crawling to swimming.

The species has a flattened face with eyes directed forward. It's something Pietsch, with 40 years of experience studying and classifying fishes, has never seen before in frogfish. It causes him to speculate that the species may have binocular vision, that is, vision that overlaps in front, like it does in humans. Most fish, with eyes on either side of their head, don't have vision that overlaps; instead they see different things with each eye.

DNA work revealed that H. psychedelica joins two other species in the genus Histiophryne, though the other two are very drably colored in comparison. The genus is but one of about a dozen in the family Antennariidae, known as frogfish in most places in the world. The frogfish are, in turn, part of the larger order of Lophiiformes, or anglerfish. Pietsch is the world's foremost anglerfish authority and, when sent a photo last year of the newfound fish, he said he'd stake his reputation that it was an anglerfish.

He was right. But what an unusual member it turned out to be.

Compared to other anglerfish, members of H. psychedelica have no lures. Most anglerfish have lures growing out of their foreheads. The other anglerfish sit right out in the open on the seafloor or coral reefs, often adapting their coloring so their bodies are camouflaged, but the lures are meant to be noticed so the fish wave, wiggle and sometimes blink the lures on and off in order to attract pray, Pietsch says.

Instead of all that showiness, members of H. psychedelica are shy and secretive, probably one of the reasons they weren't previously spotted. When a member of H. psychedelica is uncovered by divers it usually seeks a new place to hide within 10 or 15 minutes.

And while other anglerfish change their coloring depending on the environment, the new species appears to maintain its wild striping no matter the surroundings.

The coloring led co-author David Hall, a wildlife photographer and owner of seaphotos.com, to speculate that the fish is mimicking corals. Indeed, Hall produced photos for the new scientific paper showing corals the animals may be mimicking.

The other co-author, Rachel Arnold, who is a UW master's student in aquatic and fishery sciences, did the DNA work on the new species. Arnold, who dove in Ambon Harbor last year, said the striping of each fish is distinctive, "like a fingerprint of patterning on their body so from whatever angle you look, you can tell individuals apart."

The scientists found, however, that the vivid colors faded in a matter of days once a specimen was preserved in ethanol. The flesh of the preserved specimen looks white, but with a microscope one can still see the striping, Pietsch discovered.

This got him thinking about two specimens sent to him in 1992 that he'd kept as part of the UW's fish collection. The Dallas Aquarium had sent him two frogfish, found in a shipment of live fishes from Bali that they said had unusual pigment patterns. The staff had nicknamed them "paisley frogfish." But the photograph Pietsch was sent was of poor quality and the preserved specimens Pietsch received were white, so he didn't give them much thought.

Pietsch retrieved the old specimens from the collection, put them under a microscope and found the striping distinctive to H. psychedelica. He'd had two specimen of a new species of fish for 17 years, but didn't know it.

See a QuickTime video of a juvenile hopping along – it's also being buffeted by currents – at http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=47496.

University of Washington (2009, February 25). DNA Evidence Is In, Psychedelic Looking Bouncing Fish Is A New Species, Dubbed 'Psychedilica'. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 8, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/02/090224154912.htm

HAEMULIDAE - NEMIPTERIDAE

2009-06-02T20:58:00.002-07:00

The Haemulids (grunts or pork fish) make sounds by
grinding their teeth, with the swim bladder acting as
a resonator. Rarely found in aquariums, they are
nevertheless robust.
The Nemipterids live near reefs and are vigorous freeswimmers.
They feed on small prey captured on their
journeys or in the sediment.

Anisotremus
virginicus (Haemulidae)
The pork fish lives in schools
when it is young. The adults
gradually become loners as
they grow older, and their
coloring becomes brighter. In
captivity, they can be fed
small animal prey, dead or
alive. Size: 30 cm.

• Symphorichthys
spilurus (Nemipterid)
The large long fin or blue and
gold snapper requires a lot of
water to be able to move around
freely. It prefers to live in calm
areas and accepts a wide range
of food. This brightly colored fish
is rarely found in the aquarium
trade. Size: 30 cm

OSTRACIONTIDAE (BOXFISH)

2009-06-02T20:58:00.001-07:00

Their body form renders their swimming clumsy, but these fish are
nevertheless highly active. Their skin is fragile and very sensitive
to parasites. In an aquarium it is best to keep only one specimen,
which can sometimes be "tamed" to eat out of your hand. Their small
mouth means that they can only eat tiny prey and algae. If they are
alarmed, boxfish secrete a toxic substance, with deadly effects for
other fish in the vicinity.

• Lactoria cornuta
The form of the long horn cowfish, with
"horns" on its head, is highly unusual. It is
a placid species, easy to feed with small
live or dead prey. Size: 10 to 15 cm.

• Ostracion meleagris
The magnificent spotted boxfish is
considered tough, although it only acts
aggressively towards its own species. It
must be supplied with animal foodstuffs
and a vegetable complement. The coloring
varies according to the fish's age and sex.
Size: 15 cm.

Ostracion cubicus
Easy to keep, the yellow
boxfish is aggressive towards
all other boxfish. It swims
slowly in and out of the decor,
hiding in a shelter when
disturbed. Size: 25 cm.

PLOTOSIDAE

2009-06-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of the few catfish families that live in the sea. Their anal and dorsal fins are long, and the
pectoral fins have a spiny spoke connected to a venomous gland. The barbels around the mouth have
a tactile function and help to detect food.
Their elongated body enables them to
weave their way skilfully through natural
obstacles in their path.

Plotosus lineatus
The young live in shoals where they form a ball, with
their heads facing outwards, when they are faced with
danger; the adults are more solitary. They feed on
animal foodstuffs or small prey appropriate to the size
of their mouth. This fish has a reputation for being
fragile and an avid consumer of oxygen. Size: 30 cm

CANTHIGASTER

2009-06-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

This is a small family, closely related to the Tetraodontids; like them, they are commonly known as
puffers because they can blow up their bodies. Easy to keep, they feed on crustaceans and mollusks.
They are aggressive towards members of their own species, but are placid in the company of other fish.

Canthigaster margaritatus
The peacock puffer is distinguished by a black patch framed in
pale blue. It adapts well to an aquarium, though its animal food
supply must be complemented by vegetable material. Size: 12 cm.

Canthigaster valentini
The Valentini puffer, which can be recognized by its two
black bands, is less common in the aquarium trade than the
peacock. If Canthigaster are not fed properly they may start
nibbling at the fins of other fish. Size: 20 cm. •

DIODONTIDAE (PORCUPINE FISH)

2009-06-02T20:52:00.001-07:00

Their skin is dotted with spines, which stick out in response to danger, and the effect is enhanced by the
fish puffing out its body to impress its foe. Porcupine fish are considered easy to acclimatize, but they
do not tolerate members of their own species. They feed
on mussels and small shellfish - complete with shell -
which they can munch thanks to their strong teeth.

• Diodon hystrix
It is best not to put invertebrates in a
tank with the common porcupine fish
as there is a chance it might find them
appetizing. It may eat shrimps, small crabs,
or mussels out of your hand - but watch
out for its teeth! Sadly, this fish is
sometimes sold, dried and bloated, as a
decorative object, or even as a lampshade!
It can grow to 90 cm in the wild.

TETRAODONTIDAE (PUFFERS)

2009-06-02T20:50:00.002-07:00

Their skin is highly sensitive as they have no scales, but they can puff themselves up with air and water
in the event of any danger. Their teeth, joined together like a parrot's beak, enable them to break
corals and the shells of crustaceans. Do not be tempted to feed them out of your hand, to avoid getting
bitten. They are easy to keep in captivity, but it is best to keep them singly as they cannot stand other
puffers, and invertebrates should obviously be ruled out.

Arothron nigropunctatus
The gray color of the dogface or hushpuppy
gets darker with age. It can get so
accustomed to an aquarist that it will even
allow him or her to scratch its back! There are
other puffers on the market, particularly the
meleagris puffer, A. meleagris. Size: 20 cm

Arothron citrinellus
The yellow puffer is easy to acclimatize. It
is active and needs space for swimming,
along with hiding places in which to
shelter. It appreciates a vegetable
complement to its animal food.
Size: 20-25 cm.

Arothron hispidus
The stars and stripes puffer is not only aggressive towards other
puffers but can also turn against smaller species if the aquarium is
too small. It is easy to acclimatize and can sometimes be tamed.
Size: 50 cm.

SYNGNATHIDAE

2009-06-02T20:50:00.001-07:00

This family includes both temperate
and tropical seahorses.
They are bad swimmers
and feed, in motion, on small
planktonic crustaceans.
In the same family, related
species, known as sea needles,
are sometimes available. They
are easy to keep in captivity with
the same diet, and are particularly
suited to aquariums for
invertebrates.

Hippocampus kuda
The yellow seahorse is, as its name
suggests, usually yellow, but its coloring
gets darker in poor environmental
conditions. It stays in a vertical position,
with its tail serving to cling on to the decor
(which must be free of Coelenterates). In
captivity, it feeds on brine shrimps or other
small, live prey. Reproduction may be
possible in captivity: the male incubates the
eggs in its ventral pocket. Size: 15 cm.

GRAMMIDAE

2009-06-02T20:49:00.001-07:00

Known as dwarf bass, due to their similarity to
the true bass, the Grammids are small and
colorful. They are ideal fish to include in an
aquarium with invertebrates.

Gramma loreto
The royal gramma takes refuge in hiding places, often with its
head inside. As an adult it lives alone and can be aggressive
towards members of its own species. It feeds on brine shrimps,
pieces of mussel, or small fish. Size: 8 cm. •

BLENNIIDAE (BLENNIES)

2009-06-02T20:46:00.001-07:00

Blennies live in rocky coastal spots, or in sheltered reef areas. These robust little fish, easy to raise, are
well suited to a tank for marine invertebrates. They are characterized by their abundant mucus and
their often bright coloring. Blennies are not common in the aquarium trade, although it is possible to find
some species belonging to the Ecsenius genus.

Ecsenius sp.
The blennie defends its territory, so the
presence of other fish from the same family
is not advisable. It moves around, but
often remains stationary to observe its
surroundings, or hides among the decor. It
feeds on algae taken from the decor and
also accepts small animal foodstuffs.
Size: 8-10 cm.

GOBIIDAE (GOBIES)

2009-06-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

Gobies live in coastal waters. When they are
away from their shelters, they resist the
movement of the water by clinging on to rocks with
their pelvic fins, which are turned into suckers
(although there are exceptions to this). They are
easy to raise and feed on small, live prey.

Lythrypnus dalli
The Catalina goby, a small species native to
California, can be distinguished by its vertical
blue bands. It lives in harmony with
invertebrates. Size: 4 cm. •

Nemateleotris magnifica
The fire goby, native to the Indo-Pacific
region, more than lives up to its Latin name
of magnifica. It adapts well to captivity but
remains somewhat timid, and so it must be
kept with placid species, or in an
invertebrate tank. It accepts artificial food.
Several species from the same genus, with
similar vivid coloring, are sometimes found
on the market. Size: 10 cm.

CIRRHITIDAE

2009-06-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

These generally live in shallow coastal waters. In
captivity, they prefer to share with peaceful
fish that do not penetrate into their strictly
demarcated territory.

Oxycirrhites typus
The longnose hawk, a delicate species to keep, is suitable for an
invertebrate tank. It accepts brine shrimps, then small animal
foodstuffs appropriate to the size of its mouth. It is rarely captured
or imported. Size: 10 cm.

OPISTOGNATHIDAE

2009-06-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

This family digs vertical burrows in the sand,
and barely venture out, hiding themselves
completely if there is any danger. Their large
mobile eyes enable them to detect their small prey.
• Opistognathus aurifrons
The pearly jawfish, an easy fish to keep, is recommended for
invertebrate aquariums. It must have at least 15 cm of sediment. It
feeds on mussels, shrimps, and fish flesh, but all its food must be
broken up into small pieces. Reproduction is possible, but is best
left to experienced fishkeepers. Size: 10-15 cm.

MONACANTHIDAE (FILE FISH)

2009-06-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

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These are somewhat more pacific than the triggers, to which they
are scientifically related. These rather timid fish feed on very
small prey (brine shrimps, pieces of mussel).
• Oxymonacanthus longirostris
The orange-spotted file fish likes nooks
and crannies but is also an active swimmer.
It can live in groups and is recommended
for invertebrate aquariums. Size: 10 cm.
Chaetoderma penicilligrum
The tassled file fish stands out due to the
protuberances on its skin. It relishes algae, even more
than live prey. The adults are loners and can attack
some invertebrates. Size: 11-25 cm.

CALLIONYMIDAE (DRAGONETTES)

2009-06-02T20:36:00.003-07:00

Their life is inextricably linked with the bed, where they look for the live prey that make up their diet.
They are usually found in fairly shallow water. They can raise themselves slightly by supporting
themselves on their ventral fins. Their cylindrical body is covered by a scaleless skin.

Synchiropus splendidus
The blue mandarin accepts small morsels of fish or
mussels, which it will only take from the bed. Even
when raised in couples, they will fight to the death,
especially if the tank is too small. These fish are well
suited to invertebrate aquariums. Size: 10 cm.

APOGONIDAE (CARDINALS)

2009-06-02T20:36:00.001-07:00

The cardinals, diminutive and brightly colored, prefer
darkness (as their large eyes suggest). They live in
groups and are not too keen on active fish. The male
incubates the eggs in its mouth (rare among marine fish).
1 latching is possible in captivity, but feeding the fry brings
new problems.

Sphaeramia nematoptera
The pajama cardinal can live in groups and respects
invertebrates. It is sometimes confused with the closely
related species 5. orbicularis, which is also
commercially available. They must both be fed with
small animal foodstuffs. Size: 10 cm. •

Platax pinnatus

2009-06-02T20:35:00.001-07:00

The red batfish must be kept with peaceful species if its
fins are to remain intact. Its diet consists of small live or
frozen prey. Some related species are also widely available.

EPHIPPIDAE (BATFISH)

2009-06-02T20:34:00.002-07:00

The dorsal and anal fins of young batfish are disproportionately
large, making their body higher than it is long. As they
reach adulthood, they gradually adopt a circular form. Slow and
easy to acclimatize, they are, however, aggressive toward other
batfish. They grow very quickly, with some adults reaching
heights of 75 cm and weights of around 25 kg.

PLESIOPIDAE

2009-06-02T20:34:00.001-07:00

The Plesiopids, related to the Pseudochromis, can be distinguished by their large dorsal and ventral
fins. This family of coral-dwellers numbers only a few species, of which only one is found in the
aquarium trade. They live in reefs, where they hide in the crevices. This has led them to be considered
as somewhat rare, although there are
probably more of them than is generally
Calloplesiops altivelis
The marine beta grouper has a majestic bearing, in
keeping with its placid, rather shy nature. It cohabits
with species of the same size and feeds on live prey,
ground mussels, and small fish. In aquariums, it seeks
out dark nooks and crannies. Its eyesight is
exceptional. Size: 15-18 cm

PSEUDOCHROMIS

2009-06-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

These are solitary, active fish which quickly go into hiding when they are disturbed. They must cohabit
with species of the same size, in a decor furnished with hiding places.
Pseudochromis diadema
This resembles the royal gramma, with which it can cohabit -
which is not the case with members of its own species. It flaunts a
golden yellow coloring set off by purple. It feeds on small, live prey
and pieces of mussel. This fish is recommended for invertebrate
aquariums with enough space for it to hide. Size: 7 cm

Half-black angelfish

2009-05-22T00:37:00.003-07:00

Centropyge vroliki
This is one of the largest fish in this genus:
the half-black angelfish acclimatizes well
and flourishes in captivity, accepting both
live and dead prey. It is particularly
aggressive towards other dwarf angelfish
when it is deprived of sufficient space.
Size: 13 cm

Lemonpeel angelfish

2009-05-22T00:37:00.001-07:00

Centropyge flavissimus
The eye of the lemonpeel angelfish is framed by a blue circle;
the juvenile has an ocellus (eyelike spot) in the middle of each side.
It accepts small items of food, but keeping it in captivity has its
complications. This species is fragile and is rarely imported.
Size: 11 cm.

Potter's angelfish

2009-05-22T00:36:00.002-07:00

Centropyge potteri
The Potter's angelfish is placid and accepts a wide range of
food. Nevertheless, it is sometimes considered delicate for an
aquarium. Size: 10 cm

Yellow angelfish

2009-05-22T00:36:00.001-07:00

Centropyge heraldi
The yellow angelfish resembles the lemonpeel
angel, although it does not have the blue marks on
the eye, operculum, and fins. This delicate species is
rarely imported. Size: 10 cm.

Flame angelfish

2009-05-22T00:35:00.004-07:00

Centropyge loriculus
One of the most beautiful dwarf angels, the flame angelfish
appreciates hiding places in an aquarium. It feeds on algae and
brine shrimps, but may also accept commercial food. Size: 7 cm.

Flame back angelfish

2009-05-22T00:35:00.003-07:00

Centropyge acanthops
This is a small species, relatively
easy to keep, but rarely found
in the aquarium trade. The
flame back
angelfish likes
hideaways and
feeds on algae
and small
invertebrates. In
some specimens,
the eye is
surrounded by
a blue circle.
Size: 7 cm.

Eibl's angelfish

2009-05-22T00:35:00.001-07:00

Centropyge eibli
Eibl's angelfish, aggressive towards all
the other species in the genus, is easy to
keep in captivity. Its vegetable diet can be
complemented by small invertebrates.
Size: 12 cm.

Bicolor angel

2009-05-22T00:34:00.003-07:00

Centropyge bicolor
In nature, the peaceful
bicolor angel live in groups,
but this is not possible in
captivity, except in very large
aquariums. It is sometimes
difficult to keep in a tank and
has a reputation for being a
fussy eater. Its basic diet
consists of brine shrimps,
tubifex worms, and chopped
mussels. Size: 10 cm.

Rusty angel

2009-05-22T00:34:00.001-07:00

Centropyge ferrugatus
The medium-sized rusty angel can be confused
with other species. However, it is recognizable
from the fine blue stripes on the dorsal and
anal fins. The caudal fin is not convex.
Size: 10 cm.

WOW!

2009-05-20T01:27:00.001-07:00

BALISTIDAE (TRIGGERS)

2009-05-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Triggers live in reef areas where the water is in constant movement, so you must plan a large aquarium
for them (at least 400 liters) with highly agitated and well-oxygenated water. Their jaws and teeth
allow them to graze on coral, crabs, and mollusks. In captivity they accept animal food, such as small mollusks (cockles, mussels), complete with their shells. They are fairly aggressive and must be kept singly, away from small fish and invertebrates. One of the distinguishing features of this family of marine fish is its ability to stick out the first spoke of its dorsal fin, and then block it with the second one (explaining their alternative name of crossbowmen).

Dwarf Lionfish

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The dwarf lionfish does not grow longer than 15 cm, in contrast
to the Pterois. It is also distinguished by the absence of a
membrane between the spokes of the pectoral fins.
Size: 15 cm.

Volitan Lionfish

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Pterois volitans: The volitan lionfish is the one most often
found in the aquarium trade. It gets
accustomed to dead foodstuffs. The
membrane linking the spokes of the
pectoral fins runs to the rear end of their
body, which is not the case with the other
species of the Pterois genus, where the
rear is unencumbered.
Size: 35 cm

SCORPAENIDAE (LIONFISH)

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Lionfish are not only stunning to look at, but they can also
constitute a real danger for an aquarist: some of their spiny
spokes emit a venom similar to that of certain snakes. They are placid
and majestic fish, easy to keep in an aquarium of at least 300 liters.
The tank must be furnished with elaborate and convoluted decor,
complete with grottoes and overhangs: lionfish swim through them
flat or at an angle. Their large mouth is equal to their voracity: they devour live prey, often small fish (take care with their roommates!). Nevertheless, these remain amongst the most deirable subjects for the amateur aquarist and repay without any doubt any amount of trouble.

Dwarf angelfish or Centropyges

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These also belong to the Pomachantid family and share its characteristic spine. They are mainly native to
the Indo-Pacific region, where they frequent the coral reefs taking shelter in caves or under overhangs.
Territorial; they can be aggressive with members of their own species, or with Centropyges with a similar
coloring. They are sociable with other fish and respect invertebrates. They are rarely longer than 12 cm
and require an aquarium of at least 200 liters, equipped with places to hide. Their natural diet mainly
consists of algae; in captivity, a vegetable diet of spinach and lettuce can be topped off with small, live
prey, especially crustaceans.

Longnose butterfly

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Forcipiger flavissimus
This is an easy species to acclimatize if it has
not suffered too much during its importation.
Not inclined to be aggressive (except against
members of its own species), the longnose
butterfly likes to have some hiding places. Its
diet comprises mussels, tubifex worms, or fish
flesh. Size: 15 cm.

Banded butterfly fish

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Chaetodon striatus
The banded butterfly fish, like the C. capistratus and the C
ocellatus, is native to the tropical Atlantic, while the other
butterflies come from the Indo-Pacific region. It does not pose any
problems once it has become used to small food items
(crustaceans and anemones of the Aiptasia genus). Size: 15 cm.

BUTTERFLY FISH COLORING

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The coloring of adults is often slightly different from that
of juveniles (size less than 5 cm), the black patch on the
rear of the dorsal fin sometimes disappearing in adults.
It seems to act as a false eye (the real one being surrounded
- and hidden - by a band or black patch) to
deceive an enemy and surprise it by fleeing "in reverse."
However, this theory has yet to be proven. Once the fish
are fully grown, the juvenile bands can fade or disappear
completely, although some, in contrast, can get bigger.

Masked butterfly fish

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Chaetodon semilarvatus
The highly active masked butterfly fish searches out
small prey near the substrate or in the algae, but it also
swims in open water. Its
maintenance can pose
problems, as it is
sometimes considered
to be delicate.
Size: 20 cm.

Copperband butterfly fish

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Chelmon rostratus
The elongation of the "beak" of the
copperband butterfly fish (more
pronounced than that of the
Chaetodon genus) has evolved
to enable it to pick out food
from crevices in the coral. This
robust species swims slowly,
except when it is alarmed. It
feeds on small, live prey,
notably crustaceans.
Size: 17 cm.

Dot-dash butterfly fish

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Chaetodon punctatofasciatus
Placid, little prone to aggression, but a vigorous
swimmer, the dot-dash butterfly fish can accept
artificial food, after first adjusting to small animal
prey. It is considered difficult to keep. Size: 10 cm.

Red Sea butterfly fish

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Chaetodon fasciatus
The Red Sea butterfly fish is considered
very difficult to acclimatize, because it
feeds on anemone tentacles and the soft
parts of coral. This species can be confused
with C. lunula. Size: 15-17 cm.

Meyer's butterfly fish

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Chaetodon meyeri
Rarely found in the aquarium trade,
Meyer's butterfly fish proves very
difficult to acclimatize as it feeds on coral.
Even if it does accept substitute food, it
is not unusual for it to die in captivity.
Size: 15 cm.

Raccoon butterfly fish

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Chaetodon lunula
Easy to acclimatize, the
raccoon butterfly fish
accepts food of animal origin
backed up with vegetable
material. The black patches on
the young (dorsal area and
rear) get bigger in adults once
they have reached 7 or 8 cm.
Size: 20 cm.

Black back butterfly fish

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Chaetodon melanotus
There are few differences between the juveniles and
adults of the black back butterfly fish. This
somewhat nervous species appreciates brine shrimps,
worms, and small pieces of mussel, as well as small
anemones of the Aiptasia genus that sometimes
"spontaneously"appear in marine aquariums. Size:
15-17 cm.

Pakistani butterfly fish

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Chaetodon collare
The Pakistani butterfly fish will tolerate fish of its
own species. Undemanding as regards diet, it accepts
both frozen and live food and also feeds off algae in
the decor. It has a reputation for being easy to keep.
Size: 17 cm.

Lemon butterfly fish

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Chaetodon miliaris
In its natural habitat, the
lemon butterfly fish feeds on
the soft parts of corals. In
captivity, it has to grow
accustomed to small, live prey,
then frozen ones (brine
shrimps, tubifex worms).

Four-eye butterfly fish

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Chaetodon capistratus
Acclimatizing a four-eye
butterfly fish can be
complicated, as it normally
feeds on the tentacles of
anemones and corals, but it
soon becomes easy to keep. It
is one of the rare species
emanating from the tropical
Atlantic, where it is common.
Size: 10 cm.

Auriga

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Chaetodon auriga
One of the best-known butterflies, the auriga is
characterized by the adult's filamentous extension of
the dorsal fin. Active and not prone to shyness, it is
easy to acclimatize. Feed it with living or frozen food,
backed up by vegetable material if there are no algae
to graze on in the decor. Size: 14 cm.

Red-tailed butterfly fish

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Chaetodon chrysurus
The red-tailed butterfly fish seems to tolerate other species
from the same genus. It is an active fish that grazes on the algae
in the decor and eats pieces of worms and mussels. Sometimes,
however, it can refuse all food in its first few days in the
aquarium. Size: 16 cm.

CHAETODONTIDAE (BUTTERFLY FISH)

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The butterflies are some of the most beautiful of
all marine fish, on account of their vivid
coloring. They are widespread in the tropical seas,
where they live in coral reefs, either singly or as
couples, generally staying close to the coast. The
juveniles often have a different coloring from
adults, which can cause some confusions between
species. Butterfly fish generally have a specialized
diet, according to the species: some graze on algae,
some eat the tentacles of anemones or coral polyps,
while others prefer different kinds of invertebrates.
This sometimes leads to acclimatization problems,
as they will not accept a normal diet. They must
therefore be trained to eat other food: adult brine
shrimps, worms, pieces of mussel, small shrimps. If
they refuse this type of food they will soon die. The
Chaetodons are considered the most demanding of
fish as regards living conditions. This means the
water must be of excellent quality - thoroughly
stirred, filtered, and oxygenated - and regular
changes, in small quantities, are beneficial. The
temperature must be a minimum of 26°C, and the
specific gravity 1.022-1.023-
Generally speaking, it is only possible to keep one
Chaetodon per tank: they are territorial and do not
really get along with each another, although they
do accept fish from other species. Nevertheless,
invertebrates are out of the question as cohabitants.
The decor should consist of blocks of coral,
through which they can weave about in comfort,
thanks to their body form, but they must be given
sufficient free space for swimming and feeding.