Happy Pets

Ocellated Puffer; Peacock-eyed Sharp-nosed Puffer

Canthigaster margaritatus 150 mm 6 in. Indo- Pacific oceans. A member of the Sharp-nosed Puffer family (Canthigasteridae), which defend them‑selves by inflating their bodies into ball shapes with air or water. This species, which is also known as C. marginatus, C. papua and C. solandri, settles down well in the aquarium. But it may be aggressive towards its own species and also nip the long fins of other fishes. When taken from the water it may emit croaking noises. Breeding: no information available.

Common Porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix 900 mm 36 in. All warm seas, including some temperate areas. This large fish is the commonest of the Porcupinefishes (Family Diodontidae), which defend themselves with sharp spines as well as by inflating themselves. However, this species cannot always deflate itself easily and is often washed ashore in the inflated condition. This fish prefers animal foods and crushed snails from freshwater tanks. It should not be kept with smaller fishes. Breeding: no information available.

False Cleaner

Aspidontus tractus 100 mm 4 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. A member of the Blenny family (Blenniidae), which are found in all tidal waters and rock pools. This species is the closest imitator of the Cleaner Wrasse, but can be distinguished by its underslung mouth. The False Cleaner uses its disguise to approach close enough to tear off a lump of flesh from its unsuspecting victim. It is best kept with its own kind in an aquarium with plenty of retreats. Breeding: no information available.

Mandarin Fish

Synchiropus splendidus 70 mm 3 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. Mandarin Fishes and Dragon- ets_. (Family Callionymidae) inhabit tidal rock pools. This species, like many other males of the family, has an elongated first dorsal fin. Its common name derives from the oriental-looking colour patterns or the body. It seems to do best if kept on its own, but is difficult to acclimatize toaquarium foods. Breeding: no information available.

Beaked Leatherjacket

Oxymonocanthus longirostris 80 mm 3 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. A headstanding fish of bizarre coloration belonging to the Filefish and Leatherjacket family (Monocanthidae). These have an erectile spine that can be locked into place. No ventral fins are present, but a membrane is stretched across the projecting pelvic bones. This fish will eat any live corals, Crustaceans and Tubeworms occupying the same aquarium, and should be kept in small groups in a quiet tank, as it will pine away if alone.Somewhat difficult to accustom to aquarium foods. Breeding: no information available.

Yellowhead Jawfish

Opistognathus aurifrons 120 mm 5 in. Caribbean. Jawfishes and Smilers (Family Opisthognathidae) are bottom-dwelling fishes that retreat, tail first, into burrows when threatened. The delicate blue body of this species is often hidden in the aquarium gravel, with only the rather sad-expressioned yellow head visible. However, small live foods should also be given. Breeding: a mouthbrooder, but no fry have been raised in the aquarium.

Saltwater Catfish; Striped Catfish; Coral Catfish; Barber

Plotosus anguillaris 900 mm 36 in. Indo- Pacific oceans. The young of the shoaling saltwater Catfishes (Family Plotosidae) gather together in a tight ball with their heads outwards when frightened. This smartly marked species grows very fast, and the markings disappear with age. The spines are poisonous, and the fish should be handled with care. Breeding: no information available.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Miscellaneous Aquarium Fishes Species

• Miscellaneous Aquarium Fishes Species continue...
• Anemone Fishes and Clown Fishes, Feeding Skill
• Wrasses and Hogfishes/ Family Labridae
• Livebearing Fishes
• Damselfishes and Sergeant-Majors/ Family Pomacentridae
• Sucker Catfish
• Aquarium Fishes Headstanders
• (Tropical Fish) Surgeons, Tangs and Unicorn Fishes/ Family Acanthuridae
• Butterfly Fishes and Angelfishes
• Aquarium Loaches Feeding

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 at 1:18 pm and is filed under Cats, Fish, Foods. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.