Fish ID Flashcards
Bignose Unicorn Fish
Size: up to 20 inches (50cm)
Blue lips, blue band in front of eye
Blue vertical lines and spots on sides
Able to pale or darken colors and markings
Gilded Triggerfish-Male
Size: up to 8 ¾ inches (22cm)
Steel blue with white scale spots
Large blue patch on lower head
Yellow margins on dorsal, anal, & tail fins
Anchor Tuskfish
Size: up to 15 inches (38cm)
Gray head
White-dark gray lower body
Rectangular black marking on back surrounded by pearly white areas
Bicolor Parrotfish
Cetoscarus bicolor, the bicolour parrotfish, is a species of fish belonging to the family Scaridae.
Bicolour parrotfish is a species associated to coral reef. It usually can be found in lagoon and seaward reefs at depths between 1 and 30 m.
It is among the largest parrotfishes, growing to a length of up to 90 centimetres (35 in). As in many of its relatives, it is a sequential hermaphrodite, starting as female (known as the initial phase) and then changing to male (the terminal phase). The initial phase is dark brown with a large cream patch on the upper part of the body. The terminal phase is very colourful, overall green with pink spotting to the body and edging to the fins. Juveniles are white with a black spot on the dorsal fin and an orange band through the eye.
This species can be found in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Tuamoto Islands, Izu Island and southern Great Barrier Reef.
Bignose Unicorn Fish
Size: up to 20 inches (50cm)
Blue lips, blue band in front of eye
Blue vertical lines and spots on sides
Able to pale or darken colors and markings
Blacklip Butterflyfish
Size: up to 5 ½ inches (14cm)
Light brown with “dirty” white head & diffuse central bar
Black lip
Black ventral fins
Blackspot Angelfish-Female
Size: up to 5 inches (13cm)
Light gray head
Yellow coloration on upper body
Black tail margins
Lack bar above eye
Blackspot Angelfish-Male
Size: up to 7 inches (18cm)
White with numerous black bars
Gold spots on dorsal & tail fins
Black spot on breast
Black-Tailed Dascyllus
Size: up to 3 inches (8cm)
White with 3 black bars
Large white spot between eyes
Black rear-half of tail
Blackspot Tuskfish
Size: up to 3 feet (90cm)
Greenish gray in color
Vertical blue stripes on body
Small dark spot on base of mid-dorsal fin
Black Blotched Fantail Ray
The round ribbontail ray (Taeniura meyeni) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, found throughout the nearshore waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific, as well as off islands in the eastern Pacific. It is a bottom-dwelling inhabitant of lagoons, estuaries, and reefs, generally at a depth of 20–60 m (66–200 ft). Reaching 1.8 m (5.9 ft) across, this large ray is characterized by a thick, rounded pectoral fin disc covered by small tubercles on top, and a relatively short tail bearing a deep ventral fin fold. In addition, it has a variable but distinctive light and dark mottled pattern on its upper surface, and a black tail.
Generally nocturnal, the round ribbontail ray can be solitary or gregarious, and is an active predator of small, benthic molluscs, crustaceans, and bony fishes. It is aplacental viviparous, with the embryos sustained by yolk, and later histotroph (“uterine milk”) secreted by the mother; up to seven pups are born at a time. Although not aggressive, if provoked the round ribbontail ray will defend itself with its venomous tail spine, and it has been responsible for at least one fatality. It is valued by ecotourist divers and recreational anglers. This slow-reproducing species is threatened by commercial fishing, both targeted and as bycatch, and habitat degradation across much of its range. As a result, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as Vulnerable.
Blackspotted Puffer
Size: up to 13 inches (33cm)
Variable combination of colors
Black lips
Black pectoral fin base
Few scattered black spots
Blackspotted Puffer
Size: up to 13 inches (33cm)
Variable combination of colors
Black lips
Black pectoral fin base
Few scattered black spots
Blacktip Reef Sharks
The blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a species of requiem shark, family Carcharhinidae, easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and the caudal fin). Among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this species prefers shallow, inshore waters, and its exposed first dorsal fin is a common sight in the region. Most blacktip reef sharks are found over reef ledges and sandy flats, though they have also been known to enter brackish and freshwater environments. This species typically attains a length of 1.6 m (5.2 ft).
Blacktip reef sharks have extremely small home ranges and exhibit strong site fidelity, remaining within same local area for up to several years at a time. They are active predators of small bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans, and have also been known to feed on sea snakes and seabirds. Accounts of the blacktip reef shark’s life history have been variable and sometimes contradictory, in part reflecting geographical differences within the species. Like other members of its family, this shark is viviparous with females giving birth to two to five young on a biennial, annual, or possibly biannual cycle. Reports of the gestation period range from 7–9, to 10–11, to possibly 16 months. Mating is preceded by the male following closely behind the female, likely attracted by her chemical signals. Newborn sharks are found further inshore and in shallower water than adults, frequently roaming in large groups over areas flooded by high tide.
Timid and skittish, the blacktip reef shark is difficult to approach and seldom poses a danger to humans unless roused by food. However, people wading through shallow water are at risk of having their legs mistakenly bitten. This shark is used for its meat, fins, and liver oil, but is not considered to be a commercially significant species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the blacktip reef shark as Near Threatened. Although the species as a whole remains widespread and relatively common, overfishing of this slow-reproducing shark has led to its decline at a number of locales.
Blue Devil Damselfish
Size: up to 3 inches (8cm)
Blue with blue dorsal fin
Scattered yellow/white spots
Bright yellow/orange tail
Black band from snout to eye
Females: all blue
Blue Jaw Trigger Fish
Common Name: Blue Jaw Trigger Fish, Blue Jaw Trigger Fish, Gilded Trigger Fish, Blue Chin Trigger Fish
Scientific Name: Xanthichthys auromarginatus
Size: Up to 11.8 inches
Distinguishing Features: X. auromarginatus has an oval shaped, laterally flat body that is a bluish-gray color with white scale spots. There are bright metallic blue rings around the eyes. The males can be differentiated by the yellow outline on the fins and tail as well as the distinctive bright blue splash across the jaw and throat. The male’s coloration becomes more dramatic with age.
Origin: From the Indo-Pacific, East Africa, and the Hawaiian Islands, to the north as far as Ryukyus and South to the Cocos-Keeling Atoll and New Caldonia.
Natural Habitat: X. auromarginatus tend to form loose groups often located near drop-offs and ledges a few meters from the bottom.
Blue-Green Chromis
Size: up to 3 inches (8cm)
Blue-pale green with no markings
Bluespine Unicornfish
Size: Up to 2 ¼ feet (70cm)
Short forehead horn does not project past mouth
Blue tail spines
Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse
Size: up to 4 ½ inches (11.5cm)
White-yellowish head
White forebody that becomes bluish toward tail
Stripe from snout becomes wider towards tail
Clown Triggerfish
Size: up to 19 ¾ inches (50cm)
Black undercolor with large white spots on lower body
Pale patch with dark spots on back
Yellow band across top of snout
Orange lips
Coral Hind Grouper
Size: up to 16 inches (41cm)
Orange red-reddish brown
Numerous dark-edged blue spots
Narrow blue margin on all fins except pectorals
Crescent Wrasse
Size: up to 10 inches (25cm)
Blue to blue green
Lavender-green bands on head
Lavender pectoral fins with blue margin
Deep lunate tail with yellow center
Diamondfish
The Blue Diamond Discus has been selectively bred for its brilliant blue coloration. It’s distinguishing feature is the small white markings on it’s body. However, the overall coloration of Discus will vary depending on mood and overall health of the fish. The Discus has surpassed the Angelfish as the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. Depending on sub-species, the natural range of the Discus extends from the Amazon to the Rio Negro Regions of South America.
The Blue Diamond Discus requires an advanced level of care due to its feeding habits and water filtration requirements. Territorial during spawning, this otherwise peaceful fish is among the schooling group, forming a well-defined nuclear family.
Becoming slightly territorial when breeding, it is best to breed an established pair, or maintain a group of young Discus and allow them to pair themselves. Warm, soft, slightly acidic water is required for spawning. The pair will clean a flat surface (usually a broad leaf or the side of the aquarium) prior to spawning. The parents must not be removed from the fry; the fry feed on their parents’ mucus.
Largely carnivorous, the Blue Diamond Discus prefer freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, pellet food designed for Discus, high-quality flake food, and meaty frozen foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 2-1/2” to 3-1/2”
Emperor Angelfish
Size: up to 15 inches (38cm)
Vivid alternating blue & yellow stripes
Yellow tail
Black eye mask with blue edge
Broad, blue edged black bar behind head
Fivestripe Wrasse
Size: up to 6 ¼ inches (16cm)
Purple head with green bands
Green upper body, yellow lower body
Pair of purple wavy-edged stripes along upper body
Purple tail borders
Flagtail Grouper
Size: up to 10 ¾ inches (27cm)
AKA: V-tail Grouper
Brown-red, darker towards tail
Diagonal white lines across corners of tail
Flame Hawkfish
Size: up to 3 ½ inches (9cm)
Brilliant red in color
Broad zone of black on back
Black ring around eye
Freckled Hawkfish
Size: up to 8 ¾ inches (22cm)
Usually brown in color, but colors can be variable
Numerous freckles on head and forebody
Brown striped area towards rear of body
Giant Gold Damsel
Size: up to 6 inches (15cm)
Bright yellow-gold including fins
Blue markings around eye
Long pointed rear dorsal and anal fins
Gilded Triggerfish-Female
Size: up to 8 ¾ inches (22cm)
Steel blue with white scale spots
Maroon stripe on base of dorsal and anal fins
Maroon margin on tail
Green Chromis
Blue-Green Chromis
Size: up to 3 inches (8cm)
Blue-pale green with no markings
Harlequin Tuskfish
Size: up to 12 inches (30cm)
White undercolor
6-9 blue edged orange bars extend from head to tail base
White tail with orange margin
Rear body becomes darker with age
Highfin Snapper (Rooster Snapper)
Size: up to 24 inches
Lateral blue lines
Yellow lower body
Long tail and posterior portion of dorsal fin
Dark spot near base of tail fin
Hippo Tang / Palette Surgeonfish
Size: up to 12 ¼ inches (31cm)
Brilliant blue head and body
Black hook-shaped markings
Yellow tail with black borders
Ladder Wrasse-Male
Size: up to 12 inches (30cm)
Salmon pink to orange in color
Stripes consist of green-blue rectangles along side of body
Lemon Peel Angelfish
Size: up to 5 ½ inches (14cm)
Bright yellow
Blue edge on gill cover
Blue ring around eye
Juveniles: blue-rimmed black spot on center of side
Lyretail Hogfish
Size: up to 8 inches (21cm)
Brown head and forebody
White rear body with scattered brown spots
Deeply forked tail
Magenta Dottyback
Size: up to 2 ¾ inches (7cm)
Deep magenta coloration over entire body
Purple ring around eyes
Map Puffer
Size: up to 2 feet (60cm)
Gray with black maze markings
White-yellow belly
Spoke-like lines radiate from eye
Irregular black blotch around pectoral fin base and on the belly
Moon Wrasse
Thalassoma lunare
Juveniles are blue on the lower half of the body. They have a black spot in the middle of the dorsal fin and a black blotch on the caudal fin base. As they mature, the spot turns into a yellow crescent, hence the name. The body is green, with prominently marked scales. Coloration of the head ranges from blue to magenta, with a broken checkerboard pattern.
Length 10”
Moon wrasses are carnivorous and tend to prey on fish eggs and small invertebrates. These include various bristle worms, shrimp, young crabs, brittle stars, and even the occasional urchin.
Napoleon Wrasse - Female
Size: up to 7 ½ feet (229cm)
Blue head with maze-like markings
Green body with dark vertical streaks
Pronounced hump over eyes
Females are reddish-orange
Napoleon Wrasse - Male
Size: up to 7 ½ feet (229cm)
Blue head with maze-like markings
Green body with dark vertical streaks
Pronounced hump over eyes
Females are reddish-orange
Orangespine Unicornfish / Naso Tang
Naso lituratus
Naso lituratus or the Orangespine unicornfish or Naso tang is a tang from the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.
Scientific name: Naso lituratus
Rank: Species
Higher classification: Naso
Orbicular Batfish
Size: up to 50 cm
Thin and disc shaped
Silvery gray
Black bars through pectoral fin & eye
Black margin on anal and dorsal fins
Orbicular Burrfish
Size: up to 6 inches (15cm)
White undercolor
Close-set brown/red spots
Numerous fixed spike-like spines
Several large gray-red/brown blotches
Oriental Sweetlips - Adult
Size: up to 3 feet (85cm)
White with black stripes
Yellow fins and lips
Spotted dorsal, anal, and tail fins
Juvenile: dark brown with several large irregular white spots
Oriental Sweetlips - Juvenile
Size: up to 3 feet (85cm)
White with black stripes
Yellow fins and lips
Spotted dorsal, anal, and tail fins
Juvenile: dark brown with several large irregular white spots
Ornate Wobbegong
The ornate wobbegong, Orectolobus ornatus, is a carpet shark in the family Orectolobidae, found in the western Pacific Ocean around eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, between latitudes
Scientific name: Orectolobus ornatus
Rank: Species
Higher classification: Orectolobus
Pacific Sailfin Sailfin Tang
Size: up to 16 inches (40cm)
White bars alternate with brown/gray bars
Tail white-yellow-brown without spots
Enlarged dorsal & anal fins dark gray-brown
Peacock Grouper
Size: up to 22 inches (55cm)
Brown body covered with small black-edged, blue spots
Broad blue boarders on rear dorsal, anal, pectoral, & tail fins
Panther Grouper
Size: up to 20 inches
AKA: polka-dot grouper
Off white color
Orderly black polka-dots cover entire body
Pinktail Triggerfish
Size: up to 12 inches (30cm)
Brown in color
Yellowish snout & pectoral fins
White dorsal & anal fins with black margins
White tail with wide pink margin
Purple Queen Anthias
Size: up to 5 ¾ inches (17cm)
Purple with numerous dark blue-orange dots
Yellow snout forming fleshy protuberance
Female: purplish red, red/orange stripe from eye to edge of gill cover
Pseudanthias pascalus
Common Names: Yellow striped Fairy Basslet, Amethyst Anthias, or the Sailfin Anthias
Food and Diet: feeds on zooplankton such as copepods and other planktonic crustaceans or crustacean larvae and fish eggs; midsize shrimp; vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and other meaty foods. They need to be fed at least three times a day
Queensland Grouper
Size: can grow to the size of 7 ½ feet
AKA: Giant Grouper, Bumblebee Grouper
Irregular black and yellow markings
Largest of the bony fish found in coral reefs
Red & Black Clownfish Cinnamon clownfish Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Amphiprion
Species: A. melanopus
(Amphiprion melanopus) or fire clownfish is a widely distributed clownfish. It is chiefly found in the western and southern parts of the Pacific Ocean, but can also be found in more central parts of the pacific ocean. It is also encountered in the waters off northern-western Australia.[1]
They are omnivorous, and will eat a variety of meat food items and algae.They are one of the larger clown fish and can be territorial and aggressive, especially as they get older, and particularly to other clownfish. Not an edible fish.
Description[edit]
Cinnamon clownfish adults can grow to 12 cm (4.7 inches), and the female is usually bigger than the male.
The cinnamon clownfish is a dark red to orange with a mahogany “saddle” on its back. Juveniles and adults have a white head band, which is wide and starts behind the eye, which turns a nice blue with age. The fins of the fish have a lighter color than the rest of the fish and can sometimes be a cinnamon color.[1]
Red-breasted Wrasse-Male
Size: up to 14 ¼ inches (36cm)
Red orange coloration at rear of head and forebody
Alternating white and blackish bars on body and tail
Redfin Anthias
Size: up to 3 ¾ inches (9.5cm)
Orange-yellow body
Lavender-pink head
Bright red dorsal fin
Translucent tail
Female: smaller peach colored dorsal fin
Redtooth Triggerfish
Size: up to 16 inches (40cm)
Pale blue head
Dark blue-purplish body
Two blue lines extend from eye toward mouth
Lunate tail with long lobes
Red teeth
Reticulated Whiptail Ray
The reticulate whipray is also called the leopard ray, honeycomb stingray, and reticulate whiptail ray. It is one of about 20 ray species in which the common name includes whipray. This ray’s dorsal side is covered in an intricate pattern of conspicuous dark spots from which it gets the reticulate part of its common name. It inhabits tropical and subtropical waters in sandy areas of coral reefs and in lagoons and estuaries.
Geographic Distribution
French Polynesia, Australia, African southern and west coast, Indo-Pacific, Taiwan, introduced to the Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean
Habitat
A tropical and subtropical water inhabitant, like most rays this species prefers a substrate of sand and mud. They are commonly found in shallow lagoons and estuaries, off sandy beaches, and in the sandy areas of coral and rock reefs. They may also be found in deeper water to 50 m (164 ft). Although generally considered a marine species, they have been observed in fresh water.
Semi-Circle Angelfish-Juvenile
Size: 1 ¼ - 3 inches (3-8cm)
Blue-black undercolor
Semicircular narrow blue and white markings-more arched toward rear
Color transformation to adult occurs between 8-16 cm
Semi-circle Angelfish-Streamer
Size: up to 14 inches (35cm)
Greenish brown with blue spotting
Pale yellow lips
Blue margins on cheek, spine, gill cover
Sixbar Wrasse
Size: up to 8 inches (20cm)
Pale green-white
5-6 black saddles that decrease in size towards the tail
Pink bands on head
Purple-black band on rear edge of gill cover
Shortnosed Unicorn Tang
Slingjaw Wrasse-Male
Size: up to 14 inches (35cm)
White head
Dark body with orange back from head to mid-body
Black streak through eye
Black outline around scales
Slingjaw Wrasse-Yellow Female
Often smaller than males
Most females are brown in color
Yellow colored females are rare
Spotface Tang / White-Freckled Surgeonfish
Freckle Face Tang
Size: up to 8 inches (20cm)
Black head with white spots
Gray body
Black streak behind upper edge of gill cover
White ring around tail base
Spotface Tang / White-Freckled Surgeonfish
Freckle Face Tang
Size: up to 8 inches (20cm)
Black head with white spots
Gray body
Black streak behind upper edge of gill cover
White ring around tail base
Spottail Threadfin Snapper
Family - LUTJANIDAE
Scientific Name - Symphorichthys Spilurus
Common Name - Threadfin Snapper (bluelined sea bream)
Size - 23.6” (60 cm)
Range - Western Pacific
Min. Aquarium size - 200 US Gal. (757 L)
Foods and Feeding - Varied diet of marine meaty foods, chooped fresh or frozen shrimp, scallop, marine fish flesh, mysid shrimp, prepared frozen foods for carnivores. Feed 3 times per day
Aquarium Suitability - 4
Reef Compatibility - Will eat crustaceans and small fish.
Captive Care - An active fish that needs plenty of swim room, provide adequate hiding plances, may dash about when startled and injure itself on decor, keep only one, will eat smaller tankmates
Spotted Unicornfish
Size: up to 20 inches (50cm)
Broad-based tapering horn on forehead
White tail
Brown with dark spots on head
Squarespot Anthias-Female
Size: up to 8 inches (20cm)
Orange with yellow fins
Pair of violet stripes runs from eye to tail base
Squarespot Anthias-Male
Size: up to 8 inches (20cm)
Orange red-magenta
Large square violet spot on side
Long 3rd dorsal spine
Stars and Stripes Puffer
Scientific Name: Arothron hispidusApproximate Arrival Size: Small: 2-3.25”; Medium: 3-4.5”; Large: 4.75-6.25”; X-Large: 6.5-7.5”Approximate Full Size: 12 inchesRecommended Aquarium Size: 75+ GallonsTemperament: Semi-AggressiveDiet: CarnivoreReef Safe: No
Stars & Stripes Dogface Puffer, Arothron hispidus, is an aquarium addition that is suitable for only the largest of home aquariums, but is a fish considered to be a favorite by many Puffer enthusiasts. Though this personable fish may be somewhat shy when initially introduced, it will likely become overtly bold in its patrolling of its home. It will typically greet any viewers in hopes of receiving another meal. Also known as the White-Spotted Puffer, it will eat a tremendous amount of food if given to it, but will do fine with a couple of feedings a day. This species may even learn to eat from the owner’s hands (but be careful of the strong jaws.) With the potential to grow to over a foot in length, Stars & Stripes Puffer specimens require meaty foods including krill, clam, and carnivore preparations. In the wild, the Stars & Stripes Puffer feeds on the flesh of corals, a variety of anemones, and most crustaceans, making it safe for fish-only aquariums. Starfish and Sea Urchins are its natural favorite. It is readily distinguished by its brown and white mottled “stars” covering the body, with “stripes” on the underside.
Sunset Wrasse-Male
Size: up to 10 inches (25cm)
Pink head with green bands
Blue green forebody
Green rear with yellow-green tail
Yellow pectoral fins with blue outer edge
Surge Wrasse
Size: up to 17 inches (43cm)
Green-blue in color
Pink-lavender bands on head
Irregular purple stripe on back
Pair of reddish stripes on side
Tasseled Ornate Wobbegong
The tasselled wobbegong (Eucrossorhinus dasypogon) is a species of carpet shark in the family Orectolobidae and the only member of its genus. It inhabits shallow coral reefs off northern Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands. Reaching 1.8 m (5.9 ft) in length, this species has a broad and flattened body and head. Its most distinctive trait is a fringe of branching dermal flaps around its head, which extends onto its chin. The fringe, along with its complex color pattern of small blotches and reticulations, enable it to camouflage itself against the reef environment.
During the day, the solitary tasselled wobbegong can generally be found lying inside caves or under ledges with its tail curled. Individual sharks tend to remain within a local area and have favored resting spots. While resting, it opportunistically ambushes nearby fishes and invertebrates, and also lures in prey by waving its tail to mimic the appearance of a small fish. At night, it emerges and actively forages for food. This species is aplacental viviparous, though little is known of its life history. The tasselled wobbegong has been reported to bite humans unprovoked; attacks may result from people accidentally disturbing the shark or being misperceived as prey. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed this species as Near Threatened, as outside of Australia it is threatened by fisheries and habitat degradation.
Orange Shoulder Tang
The Orangeshoulder Tang is also known as the Orange-epaulette Surgeonfish, Orangespot Surgeonfish, Orangeband Surgeonfish, and Orangeshoulder Surgeonfish. As a juvenile, it is solid yellow, with just the slightest hint of blue fringing on the anal and dorsal fins. As an adult, the front half of the body turns light gray and the back half takes on a dark gray-blue color. Above the pectoral fins is an eyecatching orange stripe that is outlined by the dark gray color. The tail takes on a lyre shape.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary to provide plenty of swimming room. It is not aggressive towards other Tangs. If housing more than one, it is best to add a juvenile to the aquarium that contains an adult.
Although Tangs will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important that they are offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen their immune system, reduce aggression and improve their overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least 3 times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use
The Orangeshoulder Tang / Orangeband Surgeonfish
Size: up to 14 inches (35cm)
Light gray head and forebody
Dark gray rear body
Elliptical orange band behind upper gill cover
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Size: up to 9 inches (23cm)
White with chevron pattern
Yellow rear and tail
Spot on rear dorsal fin
Thread-like filament trails from dorsal fin
Titan Triggerfish
Size: up to 2 ½ feet (75cm)
Dark body with yellow green to blue crosshatches
Yellow green snout and cheek
White rearbody & tail base
Dark “moustache” band above mouth
Tomato Clownfish/Tomato Anemonefish
Size: up to 2 ½ inches (6cm)
Orange-red
Single white/pale blue head bar
Species name: Amphiprion Frenatus Family: Pomacentridae
Maximum length: 5.5 in. Aggressiveness: Aggressive and territorial when mature. Some claim that it will cohabit with other clownfish species if they are introduced at the same time but it’s still better to keep it singly or in mated pairs.
Diet: Omnivore. It primarily feeds on zooplankton in the ocean. In the aquarium, it will eat most fish foods including flakes, freeze-dried food, frozen and live foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day.
Two-lined Monocle Sea Bream
Size: up to 23 cm
Grey upper body and white lower body
Yellow stripes and dorsal fin
Two-Spined Angelfish (Coral Beauty)
Size: up to 4 inches (10cm)
Red-orange undercolor with narrow blue bars
Deep blue/purple head & fins
Two spines extend from lower gill cover
Two-Tone Wrasse
Size: up to 5 ½ inches (14cm)
Blue-green head
Light green-yellow collar
Bluish-red body with vertical green lines on scales
Two lines under eye
Forked tail
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Size: up to 19 inches (48cm)
Gray to greenish brown upper body
Covered with white spots
White ring around eye
Large, white edged black spot around pectoral-fin base
Yellowtail Coris - Female
Size: up to 14 inches
Reddish orange in color
Iridescent blue spots
Sunshine yellow tail
Males are darker than females , light color bar vertically bisects the body
Yellowtail Coris - Male
Size: up to 14 inches
Reddish orange in color
Iridescent blue spots
Sunshine yellow tail
Males are darker than females , light color bar vertically bisects the body
Yellowtail Wrasse
Yellowtail Wrasse - Anampses meleagrides: The Yellowtail Wrasse is also referred to as the Yellow-tail Tamarin, or Spotted Wrasse. It has a black body covered with varying sized white dots. The tail is bright yellow. Yellowtail Wrasse is a high maintenance fish. It is one of the most beautiful wrasse but unfortunately Yellowtail Wrasse is difficult to be keep in captivity. The members of Anampses genus are rated lowest in terms of survival in aquarium. Yellow tail Wrasse survives in aquarium with great difficulty.
Yellowtail Wrasse is largely found in Indo-Pacific, Africa, The Great Barrier Reef and Red Sea. The Yellowtail Wrasse may act peacefully toward other fish but may harass fish that are too small as compared to its size. They are not compatible with Batfish,sharks,,Sea horses,Pipefish and Pseudochromis.Caution is required when Yellowtail Wrasse is kept with Dwarf Angelfish, Anglers & Frogfish, Anthias, Basslets, Blennies, Butterflyfish, Cardinal fish, Clownfish, Eels, Filefish, Goatfish, Gobies, Groupers, Grunts & Sweetlips, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Lionfish & Scorpion fish It does not have any specific swimming level and is can be kept in reef aquarium. The aquarium may be decorated with coral or rocks. The Yellowtail Wrasse may be very difficult to keep in an aquarium due to its feeding habits. It eats very small invertebrates (amphipods) that grow on live rock. Proper care should be taken to feed them. Once it starts eating in the aquarium its diet should include live, small feeder shrimps (brine, mysid) and finely chopped marine meats.
An expert level of care is required to keep Yellowtail Wrasse in aquarium. It requires a 55 gallon or larger aquarium with a 2 inch layer of live sand in which to bury itself for sleep and hide from its tank mates. It is a frequent jumper and jumps out of the aquarium, so a secure lid on the aquarium is required. Yellowtail Wrasse requires fine substrate, as wrasse prefers to burrow and hide from their tank mates. The Yellowtail Wrasse does not do well in captivity for a long term. It does not breed in captivity
Maximum Size: Yellowtail Wrasse grows up to 9 inches.
General Size Specifications: The small size will come to you generally 1 to 2 inches; the medium generally 3 to 4 inches; the large generally 5 to 6 inches.
Minimum Tank Size: The Yellowtail Wrasse prefers a tank of at least 60 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim. The tank set up may be marine made up of coral, rocks or plants
Zebra Nurse Shark
The zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum or varium) is a species of carpet shark and the sole member of the family Stegostomatidae. It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, frequenting coral reefs and sandy flats to a depth of 62 m (210 ft). Adult zebra sharks are distinctive in appearance, with five longitudinal ridges on a cylindrical body, a low caudal fin comprising nearly half the total length, and a pattern of dark spots on a pale background. Young zebra sharks under 50–90 cm (20–35 in) long have a completely different pattern, consisting of light vertical stripes on a brown background, and lack the ridges. This species attains a length of 2.5 m (8.2 ft).
Zebra sharks are nocturnal and spend most of the day resting motionless on the sea floor. At night, they actively hunt for molluscs, crustaceans, small bony fishes, and possibly sea snakes inside holes and crevices in the reef. Though solitary for most of the year, they form large seasonal aggregations. The zebra shark is oviparous: females produce several dozen large egg capsules, which they anchor to underwater structures via adhesive tendrils. Innocuous to humans and hardy in captivity, zebra sharks are popular subjects of ecotourism dives and public aquaria. The World Conservation Union has assessed this species as Vulnerable worldwide, as it is taken by commercial fisheries across most of its range (except off Australia) for meat, fins, and liver oil. There is evidence that its numbers are dwindling
Amphiprion ocellaris, also known as the Ocellaris Clownfish , False Percula Clownfish or Common clownfish , is a marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae which gathers clownfishes and damselfishesThe Common clownfish is a small fish which grows up to 11 cm. Its body has a stocky appearance and oval shape. It is compressed laterally, with a round profile. The coloration of its body is orange to reddish-brown, but it can also be black in some particular areas such as the Northern Territory in Australia It has three vertical white stripes outlined with a fine black line. The first passes just behind the eye, the second in the middle of the body widens forward to the head centrally and the third one circles the caudal peduncle. All the fins are also outlined with a fine black line. Amphiprion ocellaris is often confused with Amphiprion percula, which possesses exactly the same colours and patterns at first sight but distinguishes itself by the thickness of the black outlines Amphiprion ocellaris is a diurnal fish. It is a protandrous hermaphrodite, which means the male can change its gender to female during its life, and lives in a harem in which an established dominance hierarchy manages the group and keeps individuals at a specific social rank. It also has an aggressive territorial behaviour and is completely dependant on its sea anemone which represents its “life insurance” as a safe shelter for the group and for the nest.[5] The associative relationship that binds the clownfish and the sea anemone is called mutualism. On one hand, the fish can live within the sea anemone’s tentacles and use it as a shelter because it has developed a thin layer of mucus which covers its body as protection against the stinging anemone’s tentacles. On the other hand, the presence of the clownfish can be interpreted as a lure to attract potential anemone’s preys close to the tentacles. And the clownfish can also defend the anemone against some reef fishes which could eat the tentacles.[5]
