Happy Pets

These brightly coloured, oval- bodied fishes have sharp, bony scalpels on the caudal peduncle which can cause painful wounds. Some species have fixed scalpels, others a protruding horn above the eyes.

Powder-blue Surgeon Acanthurus leucosternon 300 mm 12 in. Indo- Pacific oceans. The delicate blue of the body contrasts with the black face and yellow dorsal fin. The retracted scalpel on each side of the yellow caudal peduncle can be clearly seen. A fish for the experienced marine fishkeeper, requiring plenty of swimming space and a vigorously aerated aquarium. However, some vegetable food should also be provided. Breeding: no information available.

Smooth-headed Unicorn Fish; Japanese Tang Naso lituratus 500 mm 20 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. This fish’s colour pattern gives its face a definite expression. The two fixed spines on each side of the caudal peduncle are set in bright orange patches. The outside rays of the caudal fin are pronounced. However, vegetable foods should also be given. Breeding: no information available.

Sailfin Tang Zebrasoma veliferum 400 mm 16 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. The large, rounded dorsal and anal fins give an outline similar to that of the freshwater Discus (Symphysodon), and the body markings are also similar. The body shape is not disc-like but has the pointed, oval form normal to the Surgeonfish family. It is a hardy fish and may well become tame, accepting food from the hand. However, vegetable foods should occasionally be included. Breeding.. no information available.

Trigger Fishes / Family Balistidae

These fishes have two dorsal fins, the first of which consists of only three spines; the first spine is erectile and can be locked into position by the second spine. The first dorsal fin is usually held flat, but is erected when danger threatens. It is often used to secure the fish in a crevice, thus preventing capture. Another unusual feature is the absence of ventral fins.

Picasso Trigger; White-barred Triggerfish Rhinecanthus aculeatus 300 mm 12 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. The abstract-art markings of this fish are the obvious inspiration for its common name, and perhaps the exaggerated mouth markings help to deter predators. The. sharp teeth necessitate caution when handling. Feeding is no particular problem, but the fish may be aggressive when adult. Breeding: no information available.

Undulate Triggerfish; Orange- green Triggerfish Balistapus undulatus 350 mm 14 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. This fish exhibits another peculiar family characteristic — that of resting head-down or lying on its side, much to the alarm of its owner. Triggerfishes have strong jaws and teeth, making the keeping of invertebrates in the same tank impracticable; they should be fed whole shellfish and small crabs to help keep their teeth worn down. Not a fussy feeder, but aggressive. Breeding: the fish may burrow into the sand and deposit eggs in the depression ; the eggs are guarded.

Moorish Idol/ Family Zanclidae

Although there is only one species in the family, it is very widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific oceans. It is similar to the Heniochus species in the Family Chaetodontidae but is more closely related to the Acanthuridae.

Moorish Idol; Toby Zanclus canescens 230 mm 91 in. Indo-Pacific oceans. The dorsal fin of this fish often extends into a long banner-like streamer. Juvenile fishes have sharp spines at the corner of the mouth, and adults have horns in front of the eyes. The common name refers to the reverence with which some Moslem communities regard this fish. It requires a large aquarium with a good growth of algae from which, hopefully, the fish will pick its food. It may, however, be reluctant to feed, and is not a beginner’s fish. However, some vegetable matter is needed. Breeding: no information available.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, August 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm and is filed under Fish, Foods, Pets. 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.